Continuous Transdermal Nitroglycerin Therapy for Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Single-Arm Dose-Escalation Trial

PubMed Central

Huang, Alison J.; Cummings, Steven R.; Schembri, Michael; Vittinghoff, Eric; Ganz, Peter; Grady, Deborah

2015-01-01

Objective To describe the efficacy and tolerability of continuous nitroglycerin for treatment of hot flashes. Methods Peri- and postmenopausal women reporting at least 7 hot flashes per day were recruited into a single-arm, dose-escalation trial of continuous transdermal nitroglycerin. Participants were started on a generic 0.1 mg/hr nitroglycerin patch applied daily without patch-free periods. Over four weeks, participants escalated dosage weekly to 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mg/hr as tolerated, then discontinued nitroglycerin during the final week. Changes in hot flash frequency and severity were assessed using symptom diaries. Paired t-tests examined change in outcomes between baseline and maximal-dose therapy as well as after discontinuation of nitroglycerin. Results Of the 19 participants, mean age was 51.4 (±4.3) years. Women reported an average 10.6 (±3.0) hot flashes and 7.1 (±3.8) moderate-to-severe hot flashes per day at baseline. Eleven women escalated to 0.6 mg/hr, three to 0.4 mg/hr, two to 0.2 mg/hr, and one remained on 0.1 mg/hr nitroglycerin. Two discontinued nitroglycerin before the first outcomes assessment. Among the remaining 17 women, the average daily frequency of hot flashes decreased by 54% and the average frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased by 69% from baseline to maximum-dose therapy (P<0.001 for both). After discontinuing nitroglycerin, participants reported an average 23% increase in frequency of any hot flashes (P=0.041) and 96% increase in moderate-to-severe hot flashes (P<0.001). Conclusions Continuous nitroglycerin may substantially and reversibly decrease hot flash frequency and severity. If confirmed in a randomized blinded trial, it may offer a novel non-hormonal hot flash treatment. PMID:26263283

Abdominal adiposity and hot flashes among midlife women.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Sowers, MaryFran R; Sutton-Tyrrell, Kim; Everson-Rose, Susan A; Lewis, Tené T; Edmundowicz, Daniel; Matthews, Karen A

2008-01-01

Two competing hypotheses suggest how adiposity may affect menopausal hot flashes. The "thin hypothesis" asserts that aromatization of androgens to estrogens in body fat should be associated with decreased hot flashes. Conversely, thermoregulatory models argue that body fat should be associated with increased hot flashes. The study objective was to examine associations between abdominal adiposity and hot flashes, including the role of reproductive hormones in these associations. The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Heart Study (2001-2003) is an ancillary study to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a community-based cohort study. Participants were 461 women (35% African American, 65% white) ages 45 to 58 years with an intact uterus and at least one ovary. Measures included a computed tomography scan to assess abdominal adiposity; reported hot flashes over the previous 2 weeks; and a blood sample for measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin-adjusted estradiol (free estradiol index). Associations were evaluated within multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Every 1-SD increase in total (odds ratio [OR]=1.28; 95% CI: 1.06-1.55) and subcutaneous (OR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.58) abdominal adiposity was associated with increased odds of hot flashes in age- and site-adjusted models. Visceral adiposity was not associated with hot flashes. Associations were not reduced when models included reproductive hormone concentrations. Increased abdominal adiposity, particularly subcutaneous adiposity, is associated with increased odds of hot flashes, favoring thermoregulatory models of hot flashes. Body fat may not protect women from hot flashes as once thought.

Risk factors for hot flashes among women undergoing the menopausal transition: baseline results from the Midlife Women's Health Study

PubMed Central

Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R.; Kiefer, Judith; Greene, Teresa; Zacur, Howard A.; Flaws, Jodi A.

2015-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, health behaviors, hormone concentrations, and the experiencing of any, current, more severe, and more frequent midlife hot flashes. Methods Baseline data were analyzed from 732 women aged 45 to 54 years enrolled in the Midlife Women's Health Study. A clinic visit was conducted to collect blood samples for hormone assays and to measure ovarian volume using transvaginal ultrasound. A self-administered questionnaire ascertained information on demographic factors, health habits, and hot flashes history. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the associations between potential risk factors and the hot flashes outcomes. Results Approximately 45% of participants reported experiencing midlife hot flashes. In the covariate-adjusted models, older age, peri-menopausal status, current and former cigarette smoking, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with increased odds of all of the hot flashes outcomes. In addition, history of oral contraceptive use was associated with increased odds of any hot flashes. In contrast, higher current alcohol intake was significantly associated with decreased odds of any, current, and more severe hot flashes. Higher estradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly associated with decreased odds of all hot flashes outcomes. Conclusions Although the temporalities of such associations are not known due to the cross-sectional nature of the data, these observed relationships can help to identify women at risk for hot flashes. PMID:25783472

RISK OF LONG TERM HOT FLASHES AFTER NATURAL MENOPAUSE: EVIDENCE FROM THE PENN OVARIAN AGING COHORT

PubMed Central

Freeman, Ellen W.; Sammel, Mary D.; Sanders, Richard J.

2015-01-01

Objectives To estimate the risk of hot flashes relative to natural menopause and evaluate associations of hormone levels, behavioral and demographic variables with the risk of hot flashes following menopause. Methods Annual assessments of 255 women who were premenopausal at baseline and reached natural menopause during 16 years of follow-up. Results The prevalence of moderate/severe hot flashes increased in each premenopausal year, reaching a peak of 46% in the first two years after the final menstrual period (FMP). Hot flashes decreased slowly following menopause and did not return to premenopausal levels until 9 years after FMP. The mean duration of moderate/severe hot flashes after FMP was 4.6 (SD2.9) years (4.9, SD3.1 years for any hot flashes). One-third of women at 10 or more years following menopause continued to experience moderate/severe hot flashes. African American women (obese and non-obese) and obese white women had significantly greater risk of hot flashes compared to non-obese white women (interaction P=0.01). In multivariable analysis, increasing FSH levels before FMP (P<0.001), decreasing estradiol (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78–0.96, P=0.008), and increasing anxiety (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06, P<0.001) were significant risk factors for hot flashes, while higher education levels were protective (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47–0.91, P=0.011). Conclusions Moderate/severe hot flashes continued on average for nearly 5 years following menopause; more than one- third of women observed for 10 or more years following menopause had moderate/severe hot flashes. Continuation of hot flashes for more than 5 years following menopause underscores the importance of determining individual risk/benefit when selecting hormone or non-hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms. PMID:24473530

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Antiestrogen Therapy: A Pilot Study in Korean Women

PubMed Central

Jeong, Young Ju; Park, Young Sun; Kwon, Hyo Jung; Shin, Im Hee; Bong, Jin Gu

2013-01-01

Abstract Objectives Antiestrogen therapy can cause vasomotor symptoms similar to those occurring during menopause, including hot flashes. Recent studies suggest that acupuncture is effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms in patients with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of acupuncture for treatment of hot flashes in Korean patients with breast cancer receiving antiestrogen therapy. Design This was a prospective single-arm observational study using before and after measurements. Settings/location The study was located at the East–West Medical Center at Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea. Subjects The subjects were 10 patients with breast cancer who were undergoing antiestrogen therapy with tamoxifen or anastrozole and who were suffering from hot flashes. Interventions Acupuncture was administered 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks, for 20±5 minutes at each session. Outcome measures The outcome measure was severity of hot flashes assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and total hot flash score. Results During treatment, severity of hot flashes was reduced by 70%–95% in all patients. Acupuncture significantly alleviated severity of hot flashes assessed by a visual analogue scale (F=30.261; p<0.001) as well as the total hot flash score (F=21.698; p=0.006). Four (4) weeks after the final treatment, symptoms were not aggravated. Conclusions Acupuncture appeared to provide effective relief from hot flashes among Korean women receiving antiestrogen therapy after surgery for breast cancer, and the effects lasted for at least 1 month after termination of treatment. A randomized controlled prospective study with a larger sample size is required to clarify the role of acupuncture in the management of hot flashes in Korean patients with breast cancer. PMID:23383974

Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ghazanfarpour, M; Sadeghi, R; Roudsari, R Latifnejad; Khorsand, I; Khadivzadeh, T; Muoio, B

2016-01-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of red clover to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in peri/postmenopausal women. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The mean frequency of hot flashes in red clover groups was lower compared with that in the control groups (close to statistical significance). Difference in means (MD) of hot flashes frequency was - 1.99 (- 4.12-0.139; p = 0.067; heterogeneity P > 0.01; I(2) = 94.93%; Random effect model). Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover. Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders. Red clover consumption may decrease frequency of hot flashes, especially in women with severe hot flashes (≥ 5 per day). Red clover may reduce other menopausal symptoms. Further trials are needed to confirm the current systematic review findings.

Genetic polymorphisms, hormone levels, and hot flashes in midlife women.

PubMed

Schilling, Chrissy; Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R; Langenberg, Patricia; Zacur, Howard; Flaws, Jodi A

2007-06-20

Hot flashes disrupt the lives of millions of women each year. Although hot flashes are a public health concern, little is known about risk factors that predispose women to hot flashes. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine whether sex steroid hormone levels and genetic polymorphisms in hormone biosynthesis and degradation enzymes are associated with the risk of hot flashes. In a cross-sectional study design, midlife women aged 45-54 years (n=639) were recruited from Baltimore and its surrounding counties. Participants completed a questionnaire and donated a blood sample for steroid hormone analysis and genotyping. The associations between genetic polymorphisms and hormone levels, as well as the associations between genetic polymorphisms, hormone levels, and hot flashes were examined using statistical models. A polymorphism in CYP1B1 was associated with lower dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and progesterone levels, while a polymorphism in CYP19 (aromatase) was associated with higher testosterone and DHEA-S levels. Lower progesterone and sex hormone binding globulin levels, lower free estradiol index, and a higher ratio of total androgens to total estrogens were associated with the experiencing of hot flashes. A polymorphism in CYP1B1 and a polymorphism in 3betaHSD were both associated with hot flashes. Some genetic polymorphisms may be associated with altered levels of hormones in midlife women. Further, selected genetic polymorphisms and altered hormone levels may be associated with the risk of hot flashes in midlife women.

Clinical Hypnosis in the Treatment of Post-Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Elkins, Gary R.; Fisher, William I.; Johnson, Aimee K.; Carpenter, Janet S.; Keith, Timothy Z.

2012-01-01

Objective The use of estrogen and progesterone to manage vasomotor symptoms (i.e., hot flashes, night sweats) has declined due to concerns over their risks and there is an increased interest in alternate, effective, and low-risk treatments. This study reports the results of a randomized, controlled trial of clinical hypnosis in treating vasomotor symptoms among post-menopausal women. Methods Randomized, single-blind, controlled, clinical trial involving 187 post-menopausal women reporting a minimum of seven hot flashes per day, or at least 50 hot flashes a week at baseline between December 2008 and April 2012. Eligible participants received five weekly sessions of either clinical hypnosis or structured-attention control. Primary outcomes were hot flash frequency (subjectively and physiologically recorded) and hot flash score assessed by daily diaries at weeks 2–6, and 12. Secondary outcomes included measures of hot flash related daily interference, sleep quality and treatment satisfaction. Results In a modified intent-to-treat analysis that included all randomized participants that provided data, reported subjective hot flash frequency from baseline to week 12 showed a mean reduction of 55.82 hot flashes for the clinical hypnosis intervention (74.16%), versus a 12.89 hot flash reduction (17.13%) for the control (p<.001, 95% CI, 36.15–49.67). Mean reduction in hot flash score was 18.83 (80.32%) for the clinical hypnosis intervention as compared to 3.53 (15.38%) for the control (p<.001, 95% CI, 12.60–17.54). At 12 week follow-up, the mean reduction in physiologically monitored hot flashes was 5.92 (56.86%) for clinical hypnosis and .88 (9.94%) for the control (p<.001, 95% CI, 2.00–5.46). Secondary outcomes were significantly improved compared to control at 12 week follow-up in hot flash related interference (p<.001, 95% CI, 2.74–4.02), sleep quality (p<.001, 95% CI, 3.65–5.84), and treatment satisfaction (p<.001, 95% CI, 7.79–8.59). Conclusion Compared to a structured attention control, clinical hypnosis resulted in significant reductions in self-reported and physiologically measured hot flashes as well as hot flash scores in post-menopausal women. PMID:23435026

A comparative study on the effect of "black cohosh" and "evening primrose oil" on menopausal hot flashes.

PubMed

Mehrpooya, Maryam; Rabiee, Soghra; Larki-Harchegani, Amir; Fallahian, Amir-Mohammad; Moradi, Abbas; Ataei, Sara; Javad, Masoumeh Taravati

2018-01-01

Hot flashes are considered to be a common experience for menopausal women and they can compromise the quality of life. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa in comparison with evening primrose oil (EPO) in postmenopausal women with menopause-related symptoms. This study was performed on 80 postmenopausal women with hot flashes. The participants were randomly divided into two groups by blocked randomization. The participants of one group received black cohosh and the other group received EPO for 8 weeks. The severity and number of hot flashes and quality of life were measured by four-point scale, and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire at pre-intervention, 1 st , 4 th , and 8 th weeks after treatment. Data were analyzed in SPSS Version 16 using independent t -test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. Average severity of hot flashes in both groups and number of hot flashes in black cohosh group in 8 th week were significantly lower than 1 st week ( P < 0.001), but number of hot flashes in primrose oil group in 8 th week showed no significant differences ( P = 0.32). The number of hot flashes and quality of life score in black cohosh arm compared to EPO showed a significant decrease in the 8 th week ( P < 0.05). All MENQOL scores were significantly improved in two groups ( P < 0.05), but the percentage of improvement in black cohosh arm was significantly superior to EPO group. Both herbs were effective in reduction of severity of hot flashes and improvement of the quality of life, but it seems that black cohosh is more effective than primrose oil because it was able to reduce the number of hot flashes too.

The efficacy of Iranian herbal medicines in alleviating hot flashes: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Ghazanfarpour, Masumeh; Sadeghi, Ramin; Abdolahian, Somayeh; Latifnejad Roudsari, Robab

2016-01-01

Background: Hot flashes are the most common symptoms experienced by women around the time of menopause. Many women are interested in herbal medicines because of fear of side effects of hormone therapy. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of Iranian herbal medicines in alleviating hot flashes. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE (1966 to January 2015), Scopus (1996 to January 2015), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, issue 1, 2015) were searched along with, SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, Medlib and Irandoc. Nineteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Results: Overall, studies showed that Anise (Pimpinella anisum), licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra), Soy, Black cohosh, Red clover, Evening primrose, Flaxseed, Salvia officinalis, Passiflora، itex Agnus Castus, Piascledine (Avacado plus soybean oil), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), and valerian can alleviate the side effects of hot flashes. Conclusion: This research demonstrated the efficacy of herbal medicines in alleviating hot flashes, which are embraced both with people and health providers of Iran Therefore, herbal medicine can be seen as an alternative treatment for women experiencing hot flashes. PMID:27294213

ANXIETY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR MENOPAUSAL HOT FLASHES: EVIDENCE FROM THE PENN OVARIAN AGING COHORT

PubMed Central

Freeman, Ellen W.; Sammel, Mary D.

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to identify temporal associations of anxiety dimensions with menopausal hot flashes in women progressing through the menopause transition. We hypothesized that associations of both somatic and affective dimensions of anxiety with hot flashes increased in the menopause transition, and that somatic anxiety was an independent risk factor for menopausal hot flashes. Methods Hot flashes, anxiety symptoms, hormone levels and other psychosocial variables were assessed annually for 14 years of follow-up. The 233 women were premenopausal at baseline and continued through one year or more after the final menstrual period. Anxiety dimensions were assessed with the Zung Anxiety Scale (ZAS), a validated measure of affective anxiety and somatic anxiety. Summed item scores were divided by the number of items rated, so that ranges of the two dimensions were comparable. Results Seventy-two percent of the sample reported moderate/severe hot flashes during the 14-year interval. There was no significant interaction between anxiety dimensions and menopausal stages. However, when adjusted for menopausal stage, the magnitude of association between somatic anxiety and hot flashes dramatically increased (OR 3.03, 95% CI: 2.12, 4.32, P<0.001), while the association between affective anxiety and hot flashes increased to a lesser extent (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.57, P=0.024). Women with high levels of somatic anxiety (top third of the sample) had the greatest risk of hot flashes (P<0.001). When the anxiety dimensions were considered in combination, the additive effect of high affective anxiety symptoms was minimal, with no significant difference between the group with high affective/low somatic symptoms and the low symptom group in incident hot flashes at each menopausal stage (P=0.54). In multivariable analysis, somatic anxiety increased the risk of hot flashes more than 3 times (OR 3.13, 95% CI: 2.16, 4.53, P<0.001), but affective anxiety was not significantly associated with hot flashes after adjustment for other study variables (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.48, P=0.117). Time-lagged somatic anxiety scores significantly predicted hot flashes, with a 71% increase in risk (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.41, P=0.002). Time-lagged affective anxiety scores did not predict hot flashes, (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.31, P=0.58). Conclusions This study showed a strong predictive association of somatic anxiety with the risk of menopausal hot flashes. The temporal associations suggest that somatic anxiety is not simply a redundant measure of hot flashes but predicts the risk of menopausal hot flashes and may be a potential target in clinical management of perimenopausal women. PMID:27433864

Sternal Skin Conductance: A reasonable surrogate for Hot Flash Measurement?

PubMed Central

Pachman, Deirdre R.; Loprinzi, Charles L.; Novotny, Paul J; Satele, Daniel V; Linquist, Breanna M.; Wolf, Sherry; Barton, Debra L.

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of a new sternal skin conductance (SSC) device for the measurement of hot flashes, and secondly, to assess the acceptability of the device by women. Methods Three small descriptive pilot studies were performed utilizing two sequential prototypes of the SSC device developed by an engineering device company in the Midwest. The devices were worn either in a monitored setting for 24 hours or in an ambulatory setting for 5 weeks. During the study period, women recorded hot flashes in a prospective hot flash diary and also answered questions about the acceptability of wearing the SSC device. Results The first prototype was not able to collect any analyzable skin conductance data due to various malfunction issues; including poor conductance and battery failure. However, 16 patients did wear the device for 5 weeks and reported that wearing the device was acceptable, although 31% stated that it did interfere with daily activities. Hot flash data from the second prototype revealed a concordance rate between patient reported and device recorded hot flashes of 24%. Conclusions Findings from these studies support the discordance between SSC recorded and patient reported hot flashes. In addition, the studies reveal further limitations of SSC monitoring, including difficulties with data collection and lack of consistency in interpretation. Based on these results and other recent trials identifying issues with SSC methodology, it is time to find a better physiologic surrogate measure for hot flashes. PMID:23571528

CROSS CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS OF HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS: LATIN-AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS TO MADRID AND THEIR SPANISH NEIGHBORS

PubMed Central

Pérez-Alcalá, Irene; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Obermeyer, Carla Makhlouf; Reher, David Sven

2013-01-01

Objective This study applies a biocultural perspective to better understand the determinants of hot flashes and night sweats within immigrant and local populations in Madrid, Spain. Methods A combined sample of 575 women from Madrid, aged 45 to 55, was drawn from two studies. The Spanish sample (n=274) participated in the Decisions at Menopause Study (DAMES) in 2000–2002. The Latin-American sample (n=301) was drawn from immigrants to Madrid in 2010–2011. Chi square analyses and logistic regression models were carried out among the combined controlling by origin of provenance. Results Forty four percent of the women reported hot flashes, 36% reported night sweats and 26% both symptoms. Compared to Spanish women, Latin-American women were less likely to report hot flashes (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4–0.9) after controlling for demographic variables and menopausal status. The same was not found for night sweats and for both symptoms combined. Determinants of hot flashes differed from determinants of night sweats. Conclusions Because determinants differed, hot flashes and night sweats should be queried and analyzed separately. Latin-American women were less likely to report hot flashes, but not night sweats or both symptoms combined. More research is needed to clarify the differences in reported hot flashes as the lesser report among immigrants could have been a cultural rather than a biological phenomenon. PMID:23571525

Hot Flashes among Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Psychosocial and Quality of Life Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

SCL magnitude indicative of hot flashes in menopausal women is valid for PCS (Carpenter, 2005b). Due to a lack of validation studies, we aimed to...objective assessment of hot flashes has been based entirely on studies of menopausal women and women with breast cancer, and ours is the first study to...presence of chest hair proved to be an obstacle to ease of use. Removal of chest hair was not an option, as this also removes skin which, in turn

Levetiracetam for the treatment of hot flashes: a phase II study.

PubMed

Thompson, Susan; Bardia, Aditya; Tan, Angelina; Barton, Debra L; Kottschade, Lisa; Sloan, Jeff A; Christensen, Brad; Smith, DeAnne; Loprinzi, Charles L

2008-01-01

The objectives of this pilot trial were to assess the potential efficacy and safety of levetiracetam for the treatment of hot flashes, a major cause of morbidity among breast cancer survivors. Women, aged 18 years or more, with a history of breast cancer or those who wished to avoid estrogen because of a perceived increased risk of breast cancer, who were experiencing bothersome hot flashes (more than or equal to 14 times per week, for more than or equal to 1 month before study entry), were included. During the baseline week, general demographic characteristics, hot flash information, and quality of life data were obtained. At the beginning of week 2, patients were started on levetiracetam for a total of 4 weeks. Information about hot flashes, quality of life, and toxicity were collected during these 4 weeks and compared with the baseline week. After treatment with levetiracetam for 4 weeks (N = 19), mean hot flash scores (frequency times mean severity) were reduced by 57%, and mean hot flash frequencies were reduced by 53%, compared to the baseline week; both these reductions were greater than what would be expected with a placebo (20-25% reduction). There were significant improvements in abnormal sweating (p = 0.004), hot flash distress (p = 0.0002), and satisfaction of hot flash control (p = 0.0001), when comparing data from the fourth week of treatment to the baseline week. Twenty-nine percent of the subjects did not complete the study because of treatment-related adverse events, with the most frequently reported side effects being somnolence, fatigue, and dizziness, usually with mild to moderate intensity. The results of this pilot trial suggest that levetiracetam might be an effective therapy for the treatment of hot flashes. Further data are needed to test this hypothesis, evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of this agent.

Effects of Botanicals and Combined Hormone Therapy on Cognition in Postmenopausal Women

PubMed Central

Maki, Pauline M.; Rubin, Leah H.; Fornelli, Deanne; Drogos, Lauren; Banuvar, Suzanne; Shulman, Lee P.; Geller, Stacie E.

2009-01-01

Objective To characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Design In a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (out of 89 from a parent study; mean age=53 y) with ≥ 35 weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), CEE/MPA (0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. Results There was no impact of either of the botanical treatments on any cognitive measure. Compared to placebo, CEE/MPA led to greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (p=0.057) in unadjusted analyses, but reached significance (p=.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither botanical treatment group showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (ps>0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. Conclusions Results indicate no effects of a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory. PMID:19590458

Measuring hot flash phenomenonology using ambulatory prospective digital diaries.

PubMed

Fisher, William I; Thurston, Rebecca C

2016-11-01

This study provides the description, protocol, and results from a novel prospective ambulatory digital hot flash phenomenon diary. This study included 152 midlife women with daily hot flashes who completed an ambulatory electronic hot flash diary continuously for the waking hours of three consecutive days. In this diary, women recorded their hot flashes and accompanying characteristics and associations as the hot flashes occurred. Self-reported hot flash severity on the digital diaries indicated that the majority of hot flashes were rated as mild (41.3%) or moderate (43.7%). Severe (13.1%) and very severe (1.8%) hot flashes were less common. Hot flash bother ratings were rated as mild (43%), or moderate (33.5%), with fewer hot flashes reported bothersome (17.5%) or very bothersome (6%). The majority of hot flashes were reported as occurring on the face (78.9%), neck (74.7%), and chest (61.3%). Of all reported hot flashes, 32% occurred concurrently with prickly skin, 7% with anxiety, and 5% with nausea. A novel finding from the study was that 38% of hot flashes were accompanied by a premonitory aura. A prospective electronic digital hot flash diary allows for a more precise quantitation of hot flashes while overcoming many of the limitations of commonly used retrospective questionnaires and paper diaries. Unique insights into the phenomenology, loci, and associated characteristics of hot flashes were obtained using this device. The digital hot flash phenomenology diary is recommended for future ambulatory studies of hot flashes as a prospective measure of the hot flash experience.

Randomised controlled trial comparing hypnotherapy versus gabapentin for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study

PubMed Central

MacLaughlan David, Shannon; Salzillo, Sandra; Bowe, Patrick; Scuncio, Sandra; Malit, Bridget; Raker, Christina; Gass, Jennifer S; Granai, C O; Dizon, Don S

2013-01-01

Objectives To compare the efficacy of hypnotherapy versus gabapentin for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, and to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial comparing a drug with a complementary or alternative method (CAM). Design Prospective randomised trial. Setting Breast health centre of a tertiary care centre. Participants 15 women with a personal history of breast cancer or an increased risk of breast cancer who reported at least one daily hot flash. Interventions Gabapentin 900 mg daily in three divided doses (control) compared with standardised hypnotherapy. Participation lasted 8 weeks. Outcome measures The primary endpoints were the number of daily hot flashes and hot flash severity score (HFSS). The secondary endpoint was the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Results 27 women were randomised and 15 (56%) were considered evaluable for the primary endpoint (n=8 gabapentin, n=7 hypnotherapy). The median number of daily hot flashes at enrolment was 4.5 in the gabapentin arm and 5 in the hypnotherapy arm. HFSS scores were 7.5 in the gabapentin arm and 10 in the hypnotherapy arm. After 8 weeks, the median number of daily hot flashes was reduced by 33.3% in the gabapentin arm and by 80% in the hypnotherapy arm. The median HFSS was reduced by 33.3% in the gabapentin arm and by 85% in the hypnotherapy arm. HFRDIS scores improved by 51.6% in the gabapentin group and by 55.2% in the hypnotherapy group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusions Hypnotherapy and gabapentin demonstrate efficacy in improving hot flashes. A definitive trial evaluating traditional interventions against CAM methods is feasible, but not without challenges. Further studies aimed at defining evidence-based recommendations for CAM are necessary. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00711529). PMID:24022390

Relations among Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep Disturbance and Depressive Symptoms in Midlife

PubMed Central

Brown, Jessica P.; Gallicchio, Lisa; Flaws, Jodi F.; Tracy, J. Kathleen

2009-01-01

Objectives To investigate the relations among hot flashes, other menopausal symptoms, sleep quality and depressive symptoms in midlife women Methods A large population-based cross-sectional study of 639 women (ages 45 to 54 years) consisting of a questionnaire including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), demographics, health behaviors, menstrual history, and menopausal symptoms Results After controlling for menopausal status, physical activity level, smoking status and current self-reported health status elevated CES-D score is associated with frequent nocturnal hot flashes, frequent trouble sleeping, experiencing hot flashes, nausea, headaches, weakness, visual problems, vaginal discharge, irritability, muscle stiffness, and incontinence. Conclusions The present study found significant links between depressive symptoms and several menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disturbance, irritability, muscle stiffness, and incontinence after controlling for covariates. These findings suggest that a potential mechanism in which bothersome menopausal symptoms may influence depressed mood during the midlife is through sleep disturbance. PMID:19128903

Joint Effects of Smoking and Gene Variants Involved in Sex Steroid Metabolism on Hot Flashes in Late Reproductive-Age Women

PubMed Central

Freeman, Ellen W.; Sammel, Mary D.; Queen, Kaila; Lin, Hui; Rebbeck, Timothy R.

2012-01-01

Background: Although smoking has a known association with hot flashes, the factors distinguishing smokers at greatest risk for menopausal symptoms have not been well delineated. Recent evidence supports a relationship between menopausal symptoms and variants in several genes encoding enzymes that metabolize substrates such as sex steriods, xenobiotics, and catechols. It is currently not known whether the impact of smoking on hot flashes is modified by the presence of such variants. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between smoking and hot flash occurrence as a function of genetic variation in sex steroid-metabolizing enzymes. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Penn Ovarian Aging study, an ongoing population-based cohort of late reproductive-aged women, was performed. Smoking behavior was characterized. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in five genes were investigated: COMT Val158Met (rs4680), CYP1A2*1F (rs762551), CYP1B1*4 (Asn452Ser, rs1800440), CYP1B1*3 (Leu432Val, rs1056836), and CYP3A4*1B (rs2740574). Results: Compared with nonsmokers, European-American COMT Val158Met double-variant carriers who smoked had increased odds of hot flashes [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–28.78)]; European-American COMT Val158Met double-variant carriers who smoked heavily had more frequent moderate or severe hot flashes than nonsmokers (AOR 13.7, 95% CI 1.2–154.9). European-American CYP 1B1*3 double-variant carriers who smoked described more frequent moderate or severe hot flashes than nonsmoking (AOR 20.6, 95% CI 1.64–257.93) and never-smoking (AOR 20.59, 95% CI 1.39–304.68) carriers, respectively. African-American single-variant CYP 1A2 carriers who smoked were more likely to report hot flashes than the nonsmoking carriers (AOR 6.16, 95% CI 1.11–33.91). Conclusion: This is the first report demonstrating the effects of smoking within the strata of gene variants involved in sex steroid metabolism on hot flashes in late reproductive-age women. The identification of individuals with a genetic susceptibility to smoking-related menopausal symptoms could contribute to interventions targeted at reducing reproductive morbidity both in the menopause and across the reproductive life course. PMID:22466345

Menopausal hot flashes: Randomness or rhythmicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kronenberg, Fredi

1991-10-01

Menopausal hot flashes are episodes of flushing, increased heart rate, skin blood flow and skin temperature, and a sensation of heat. The thermoregulatory and cardiovascular concomitants of hot flashes are associated with peaks in the levels of various hormones and neurotransmitters in the peripheral circulation. Although hot flashes affect about 75% of women, and are the primary reason that women at menopause seek medical attention, the mechanism of hot flashes is still not understood. Hot flashes vary in frequency and intensity both within and between individuals, and have been thought of as occurring randomly. Yet, some women report that their hot flashes are worse at a particular time of day or year. Initial examination of subjects' recordings of their hot flashes showed diurnal patterns of hot flash occurrence. There also seems to be a diurnal rhythm of hot flash intensity. Continuous physiological monitoring of hot flashes is facilitating the analysis of these patterns, which is revealing circadian and ultradian periodicities. The occurrence of hot flashes can be modulated by external and internal factors, including ambient temperature and fever. Rhythms of thermoregulatory and endocrine functions also may influence hot flash patterns. Examination of the interrelationships between the various systems of the body involved in hot flashes, and a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of hot flash patterns, will aid our understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Effects of botanicals and combined hormone therapy on cognition in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Maki, Pauline M; Rubin, Leah H; Fornelli, Deanne; Drogos, Lauren; Banuvar, Suzanne; Shulman, Lee P; Geller, Stacie E

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. In a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (of 89 from a parent study; mean age, 53 y) with 35 or more weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. Neither of the botanical treatments had an impact on any cognitive measure. Compared with placebo, CEE/MPA led to a greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (P = 0.057) in unadjusted analyses but reached significance (P = 0.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither of the botanical treatment groups showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (Ps > 0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. Results indicate that a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh has no effects on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory.

Behavioral weight loss for the management of menopausal hot flashes: a pilot study.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Ewing, Linda J; Low, Carissa A; Christie, Aimee J; Levine, Michele D

2015-01-01

Although adiposity has been considered to be protective against hot flashes, newer data suggest positive relationships between hot flashes and adiposity. No studies have been specifically designed to test whether weight loss reduces hot flashes. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of behavioral weight loss in reducing hot flashes. Forty overweight or obese women with hot flashes (≥ 4 hot flashes/d) were randomized to either behavioral weight loss intervention or wait-list control. Hot flashes were assessed before and after intervention via physiologic monitoring, diary, and questionnaire. Comparisons of changes in hot flashes and anthropometrics between conditions were performed via Wilcoxon tests. Study retention (83%) and intervention satisfaction (93.8%) were high. Most women (74.1%) reported that hot flash reduction was a major motivator for losing weight. Women randomized to the weight loss intervention lost more weight (-8.86 kg) than did women randomized to control (+0.23 kg; P < 0.0001). Women randomized to weight loss also showed greater reductions in questionnaire-reported hot flashes (2-wk hot flashes, -63.0) than did women in the control group (-28.0; P = 0.03)-a difference not demonstrated in other hot flash measures. Reductions in weight and hot flashes were significantly correlated (eg, r = 0.47, P = 0.006). This pilot study shows a behavioral weight loss program that is feasible, acceptable, and effective in producing weight loss among overweight or obese women with hot flashes. Findings indicate the importance of a larger study designed to test behavioral weight loss for hot flash reduction. Hot flash management could motivate women to engage in this health-promoting behavior.

Perceived control and hot flashes in treatment-seeking breast cancer survivors and menopausal women.

PubMed

Carpenter, Janet S; Wu, Jingwei; Burns, Debra S; Yu, Menggang

2012-01-01

Lower perceived control over hot flashes has been linked to fewer coping strategies, more catastrophizing, and greater hot flash severity and distress in midlife women, yet this important concept has not yet been studied in breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore perceived control over hot flashes and hot flashes in breast cancer survivors compared with midlife women without cancer. Ninety-nine survivors and 138 midlife women completed questionnaires and a prospective, electronic hot flash diary. All data were collected at a baseline assessment before randomization in a behavioral intervention study. Both groups had moderate perceived control over hot flashes. Control was not significantly related to hot flash frequency but was significantly related to hot flash severity, bother, and interference in both groups. A significantly stronger association between control and hot flash interference was found for survivors than for midlife women. Survivors using hot flash treatments perceived less control than did survivors not using hot flash treatments, whereas the opposite was true in midlife women. Findings extend our knowledge of perceived control over hot flashes in both survivors and midlife women. Findings emphasize the importance of continued menopausal symptom assessment and management, support the importance of continuing nursing care even for survivors who are already using hot flash treatment, and suggest that nursing interventions aimed at improving perceived control over hot flashes may be more helpful for survivors than for midlife women.

Hot Flashes and Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

hot flashes, 40.7% report at baseline, having used HRT and 26.8% used exercise to control hot flashes. The 12-month data indicates that 26.5% of the...entire sample who are experiencing hot flashes, tried or are using some form of HRT to control hot flashes with exercise still the most frequently...used approach to manage hot flashes with 44.2% of sample currently exercising . 15. SUBJECT TERMS Breast Cancer, Hot Flashes, Quality of Life

Physiologically assessed hot flashes and endothelial function among midlife women.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Chang, Yuefang; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Jennings, J Richard; von Känel, Roland; Landsittel, Doug P; Matthews, Karen A

2017-08-01

Hot flashes are experienced by most midlife women. Emerging data indicate that they may be associated with endothelial dysfunction. No studies have tested whether hot flashes are associated with endothelial function using physiologic measures of hot flashes. We tested whether physiologically assessed hot flashes were associated with poorer endothelial function. We also considered whether age modified associations. Two hundred seventy-two nonsmoking women reporting either daily hot flashes or no hot flashes, aged 40 to 60 years, and free of clinical cardiovascular disease, underwent ambulatory physiologic hot flash and diary hot flash monitoring; a blood draw; and ultrasound measurement of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation to assess endothelial function. Associations between hot flashes and flow-mediated dilation were tested in linear regression models controlling for lumen diameter, demographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and estradiol. In multivariable models incorporating cardiovascular disease risk factors, significant interactions by age (P < 0.05) indicated that among the younger tertile of women in the sample (age 40-53 years), the presence of hot flashes (beta [standard error] = -2.07 [0.79], P = 0.01), and more frequent physiologic hot flashes (for each hot flash: beta [standard error] = -0.10 [0.05], P = 0.03, multivariable) were associated with lower flow-mediated dilation. Associations were not accounted for by estradiol. Associations were not observed among the older women (age 54-60 years) or for self-reported hot flash frequency, severity, or bother. Among the younger women, hot flashes explained more variance in flow-mediated dilation than standard cardiovascular disease risk factors or estradiol. Among younger midlife women, frequent hot flashes were associated with poorer endothelial function and may provide information about women's vascular status beyond cardiovascular disease risk factors and estradiol.

Menopausal Hot Flashes and Carotid Intima Media Thickness Among Midlife Women.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Chang, Yuefang; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Jennings, J Richard; Landsittel, Doug P; Santoro, Nanette; von Känel, Roland; Matthews, Karen A

2016-12-01

There has been a longstanding interest in the role of menopause and its correlates in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. Menopausal hot flashes are experienced by most midlife women; emerging data link hot flashes to CVD risk indicators. We tested whether hot flashes, measured via state-of-the-art physiologic methods, were associated with greater subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid ultrasound. We considered the role of CVD risk factors and estradiol concentrations in these associations. A total of 295 nonsmoking women free of clinical CVD underwent ambulatory physiologic hot flash assessments; a blood draw; and carotid ultrasound measurement of intima media thickness and plaque. Associations between hot flashes and subclinical atherosclerosis were tested in regression models controlling for CVD risk factors and estradiol. More frequent physiologic hot flashes were associated with higher carotid intima media thickness (for each additional hot flash: β [SE]=0.004 [0.001]; P=0.0001; reported hot flash: β [SE]=0.008 [0.002]; P=0.002, multivariable) and plaque (eg, for each additional hot flash, odds ratio [95% confidence interval] plaque index ≥2=1.07 [1.003-1.14]; P=0.04, relative to no plaque, multivariable] among women reporting daily hot flashes; associations were not accounted for by CVD risk factors or by estradiol. Among women reporting hot flashes, hot flashes accounted for more variance in intima media thickness than most CVD risk factors. Among women reporting daily hot flashes, frequent hot flashes may provide information about a woman's vascular status beyond standard CVD risk factors and estradiol. Frequent hot flashes may mark a vulnerable vascular phenotype among midlife women. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Menopausal Hot Flashes and Carotid Intima Media Thickness among Midlife Women

PubMed Central

Thurston, Rebecca C.; Chang, Yuefang; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Jennings, J. Richard; Landsittel, Doug P.; Santoro, Nanette; von Känel, Roland; Matthews, Karen A.

2016-01-01

Background and Purpose There has been a longstanding interest in the role of menopause and its correlates in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. Menopausal hot flashes are experienced by most midlife women; emerging data link hot flashes to CVD risk indicators. We tested whether hot flashes, measured via state-of-the-art physiologic methods, were associated with greater subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid ultrasound. We considered the role of CVD risk factors and estradiol concentrations in these associations. Methods 295 nonsmoking women free of clinical CVD underwent ambulatory physiologic hot flash assessments; a blood draw; and carotid ultrasound measurement of IMT and plaque. Associations between hot flashes and subclinical atherosclerosis were tested in regression models controlling for CVD risk factors and estradiol. Results More frequent physiologic hot flashes were associated with higher carotid intima media thickness [IMT; for each additional hot flash: beta (standard error)=.004(.001), p=.0001; reported hot flash: beta (standard error)=.008(.002), p=.002, multivariable] and plaque [e.g., for each additional hot flash, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) plaque index ≥2=1.07(1.003–1.14, p=.04), relative to no plaque, multivariable] among women reporting daily hot flashes; associations were not accounted for by CVD risk factors or by estradiol. Among women reporting hot flashes, hot flashes accounted for more variance in IMT than most CVD risk factors. Conclusions Among women reporting daily hot flashes, frequent hot flashes may provide information about a woman’s vascular status beyond standard CVD risk factors and estradiol. Frequent hot flashes may mark a vulnerable vascular phenotype among midlife women. PMID:27834746

Hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: Frequency, severity and impact.

PubMed

Chang, Hao-Yuan; Jotwani, Aparna C; Lai, Yeur-Hur; Jensen, Mark P; Syrjala, Karen L; Fann, Jesse R; Gralow, Julie

2016-06-01

To (1) determine the frequency and severity of hot flashes, (2) examine the associations between hot flash frequency and severity and quality of life, and (3) identify the predictors of hot flash activity in breast cancer survivors. The study used a cross-sectional design and mailed survey of 253 breast cancer survivors recruited from a cancer wellness clinic. Participants provided information regarding cancer history, hot flashes, pain intensity, sleep problems, physical functioning, and psychological functioning. About half of the survivors reported at least one hot flash in the past 24 h (45%) or past week (52%). The average frequency of hot flashes was 1.9 in the past 24 h and 1.8 in the past week. Hot flash severity was usually mild or asymptomatic. However, participants with hot flashes reported significantly more sleep problems and higher pain severity than those reporting no hot flashes. Moreover, the severity of hot flashes was associated with more sleep problems, higher pain severity, and more psychological dysfunction. History of hormonal suppression therapy and younger age predicted hot flash activity in the study sample. In breast cancer survivors, hot flashes are common and are associated with unpleasant symptoms and poor quality of life. Research is needed to determine if treatments that reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors also result in improvements in symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and psychological dysfunction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: Frequency, severity and impact

PubMed Central

Chang, Hao-Yuan; Jotwani, Aparna C.; Lai, Yeur-Hur; Jensen, Mark P.; Syrjala, Karen L.; Fann, Jesse R.; Gralow, Julie

2018-01-01

Purposes To (1) determine the frequency and severity of hot flashes, (2) examine the associations be- tween hot flash frequency and severity and quality of life, and (3) identify the predictors of hot flash activity in breast cancer survivors. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design and mailed survey of 253 breast cancer survivors recruited from a cancer wellness clinic. Participants provided information regarding cancer history, hot flashes, pain intensity, sleep problems, physical functioning, and psychological functioning. Results About half of the survivors reported at least one hot flash in the past 24 h (45%) or past week (52%). The average frequency of hot flashes was 1.9 in the past 24 h and 1.8 in the past week. Hot flash severity was usually mild or asymptomatic. However, participants with hot flashes reported significantly more sleep problems and higher pain severity than those reporting no hot flashes. Moreover, the severity of hot flashes was associated with more sleep problems, higher pain severity, and more psychological dysfunction. History of hormonal suppression therapy and younger age predicted hot flash activity in the study sample. Conclusions In breast cancer survivors, hot flashes are common and are associated with unpleasant symptoms and poor quality of life. Research is needed to determine if treatments that reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors also result in improvements in symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and psychological dysfunction. PMID:27065357

Adiposity and Hot Flashes in Midlife Women: A Modifying Role of Age

PubMed Central

Santoro, Nanette; Matthews, Karen A.

2011-01-01

Background: The nature of the relationship between adiposity and hot flashes has been debated, but it has not been examined using physiological measures of hot flashes. We examined associations between body size/composition and physiologically assessed hot flashes among women with hot flashes. Methods: A subcohort of women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (n = 52; 25 African-American and 27 non-Hispanic Caucasian; ages, 54 to 63 yr) who reported hot flashes, had their uterus and ovaries, and were not taking medications impacting hot flashes were recruited in 2008–2009. Women completed anthropometric measures [bioimpedance analysis of total percentage of body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference], a blood draw (estradiol, SHBG, FSH, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), and 4 d of ambulatory sternal skin conductance monitoring with diary (physiological and reported hot flashes, respectively). Associations between anthropometrics and hot flashes were estimated with generalized estimating equations with covariates age, race, and anxiety. Results: Higher BMI (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–0.99; P < 0.05) and waist circumference (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–0.99; P < 0.01) were associated with fewer physiological hot flashes. Interactions by age (P < 0.05) indicated that inverse associations of body fat, BMI, and waist circumference with hot flashes were most apparent among the oldest women in the sample. Estradiol and SHBG reduced but did not eliminate age-related variations in relations between body size/composition and hot flashes. Conclusion: Higher adiposity was associated with fewer physiological hot flashes among older women with hot flashes. A modifying role of age must be considered in understanding the role of adiposity in hot flashes. PMID:21778220

Adiposity and hot flashes in midlife women: a modifying role of age.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Santoro, Nanette; Matthews, Karen A

2011-10-01

The nature of the relationship between adiposity and hot flashes has been debated, but it has not been examined using physiological measures of hot flashes. We examined associations between body size/composition and physiologically assessed hot flashes among women with hot flashes. A subcohort of women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (n = 52; 25 African-American and 27 non-Hispanic Caucasian; ages, 54 to 63 yr) who reported hot flashes, had their uterus and ovaries, and were not taking medications impacting hot flashes were recruited in 2008-2009. Women completed anthropometric measures [bioimpedance analysis of total percentage of body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference], a blood draw (estradiol, SHBG, FSH, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), and 4 d of ambulatory sternal skin conductance monitoring with diary (physiological and reported hot flashes, respectively). Associations between anthropometrics and hot flashes were estimated with generalized estimating equations with covariates age, race, and anxiety. Higher BMI (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.99; P < 0.05) and waist circumference (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; P < 0.01) were associated with fewer physiological hot flashes. Interactions by age (P < 0.05) indicated that inverse associations of body fat, BMI, and waist circumference with hot flashes were most apparent among the oldest women in the sample. Estradiol and SHBG reduced but did not eliminate age-related variations in relations between body size/composition and hot flashes. Higher adiposity was associated with fewer physiological hot flashes among older women with hot flashes. A modifying role of age must be considered in understanding the role of adiposity in hot flashes.

Cardiac autonomic function and hot flashes among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Gibson, Carolyn J; Mendes, Wendy Berry; Schembri, Michael; Grady, Deborah; Huang, Alison J

2017-07-01

Abnormalities in autonomic function are posited to play a pathophysiologic role in menopausal hot flashes. We examined relationships between resting cardiac autonomic activity and hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Autonomic function was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (n = 121, mean age 53 years) in a randomized trial of slow-paced respiration for hot flashes. Pre-ejection period (PEP), a marker of sympathetic activation, was measured with impedance cardiography. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of parasympathetic activation, was measured with electrocardiography. Participants self-reported hot flash frequency and severity in 7-day symptom diaries. Analysis of covariance models were used to relate autonomic function and hot flash frequency and severity at baseline, and to relate changes in autonomic function to changes in hot flash frequency and severity over 12 weeks, adjusting for age, body mass index, and intervention assignment. PEP was not associated with hot flash frequency or severity at baseline or over 12 weeks (P > 0.05 for all). In contrast, there was a trend toward greater frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes with higher RSA at baseline (β = 0.43, P = 0.06), and a positive association between change in RSA and change in frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes over 12 weeks (β = 0.63, P = 0.04). Among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes, variations in hot flash frequency and severity were not explained by variations in resting sympathetic activation. Greater parasympathetic activation was associated with more frequent moderate-to-severe hot flashes, which may reflect increased sensitivity to perceiving hot flashes.

Understanding the complex relationships underlying hot flashes: a Bayesian network approach.

PubMed

Smith, Rebecca L; Gallicchio, Lisa M; Flaws, Jodi A

2018-02-01

The mechanism underlying hot flashes is not well-understood, primarily because of complex relationships between and among hot flashes and their risk factors. We explored those relationships using a Bayesian network approach based on a 2006 to 2015 cohort study of hot flashes among 776 female residents, 45 to 54 years old, in the Baltimore area. Bayesian networks were fit for each outcome (current hot flashes, hot flashes before the end of the study, hot flash severity, hot flash frequency, and age at first hot flashes) separately and together with a list of risk factors (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, body mass index and obesity, race, income level, education level, smoking history, drinking history, and activity level). Each fitting was conducted separately on all women and only perimenopausal women, at enrollment and 4 years after enrollment. Hormone levels, almost always interrelated, were the most common variable linked to hot flashes; hormone levels were sometimes related to body mass index, but were not directly related to any other risk factors. Smoking was also frequently associated with increased likelihood of severe symptoms, but not through an antiestrogenic pathway. The age at first hot flashes was related only to race. All other factors were either not related to outcomes or were mediated entirely by race, hormone levels, or smoking. These models can serve as a guide for design of studies into the causal network underlying hot flashes.

Hot Flashes

MedlinePlus

... report menopausal hot flashes than do women of European descent. Hot flashes are less common in women of Japanese and Chinese descent than in white European women. Complications Nighttime hot flashes (night sweats) can ...

Circulating interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α are associated with hot flashes in healthy postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Huang, Wan-Yu; Hsin, I-Lun; Chen, Dar-Ren; Chang, Chia-Chu; Kor, Chew-Teng; Chen, Ting-Yu; Wu, Hung-Ming

2017-01-01

Hot flashes have been postulated to be linked to systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hot flashes, pro-inflammatory factors, and leukocytes in healthy, non-obese postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 202 women aged 45-60 years were stratified into one of four groups according to their hot-flash status: never experienced hot flashes (Group N), mild hot flashes (Group m), moderate hot flashes (Group M), and severe hot flashes (Group S). Variables measured in this study included clinical parameters, hot flash experience, leukocytes, and fasting plasma levels of nine circulating cytokines/chemokines measured by using multiplex assays. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of hot flashes with these pro-inflammatory factors. The study was performed in a hospital medical center. The mean values of leukocyte number were not different between these four groups. The hot flash status had a positive tendency toward increased levels of circulating IL-6 (P-trend = 0.049), IL-8 (P-trend < 0.001), TNF-α (P-trend = 0.008), and MIP1β (P-trend = 0.04). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was significantly associated with IL-8 (P-trend < 0.001) and TNFα (P-trend = 0.007) among these nine cytokines/chemokines after adjustment for age, menopausal duration, BMI and FSH. Multivariate analysis further revealed that severe hot flashes were strongly associated with a higher IL-8 (% difference, 37.19%; 95% confidence interval, 14.98,63.69; P < 0.001) and TNFα (51.27%; 6.64,114.57; P < 0.05). The present study provides evidence that hot flashes are associated with circulating IL-8 and TNF-α in healthy postmenopausal women. It suggests that hot flashes might be related to low-grade systemic inflammation.

Expectancy after the first treatment and response to acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes.

PubMed

Ee, Carolyn C; Thuraisingam, Sharmala; Pirotta, Marie V; French, Simon D; Xue, Charlie C; Teede, Helena J

2017-01-01

Evidence on the impact of expectancy on acupuncture treatment response is conflicting. This secondary analysis of a randomized sham-controlled trial on acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes investigated whether treatment expectancy score was associated with hot flash score at end-of-treatment. Secondary analyses investigated whether there were associations between other pre-specified factors and hot flash score. Women experiencing moderately-severe hot flashes were randomized to receive 10 sessions of real or sham acupuncture over eight weeks. Hot flash score was collected using a seven-day hot flash diary, and expectancy using the modified Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire immediately after the first treatment. Linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts were used to identify associations between expectancy score and hot flash score at end-of-treatment. Regression was also used to identify associations between pre-specified factors of interest and hot flash score. Because there was no difference between real and sham acupuncture for the primary outcome of hot flash score, both arms were combined in the analysis. 285 women returned the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, and 283 women completed both expectancy measures. We found no evidence for an association between expectancy and hot flash score at end-of-treatment for individual cases in either acupuncture or sham group. Hot flash scores at end-of-treatment were 8.1 (95%CI, 3.0 to 13.2; P = 0.002) points lower in regular smokers compared to those who had never smoked, equivalent to four fewer moderate hot flashes a day. In our study of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes, higher expectancy after the first treatment did not predict better treatment outcomes. Future research may focus on other determinants of outcomes in acupuncture such as therapist attention. The relationship between smoking and hot flashes is poorly understood and needs further exploration.

Circulating interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α are associated with hot flashes in healthy postmenopausal women

PubMed Central

Huang, Wan-Yu; Hsin, I-Lun; Chen, Dar-Ren; Chang, Chia-Chu; Kor, Chew-Teng; Chen, Ting-Yu

2017-01-01

Introduction Hot flashes have been postulated to be linked to systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hot flashes, pro-inflammatory factors, and leukocytes in healthy, non-obese postmenopausal women. Participants and design In this cross-sectional study, a total of 202 women aged 45–60 years were stratified into one of four groups according to their hot-flash status: never experienced hot flashes (Group N), mild hot flashes (Group m), moderate hot flashes (Group M), and severe hot flashes (Group S). Variables measured in this study included clinical parameters, hot flash experience, leukocytes, and fasting plasma levels of nine circulating cytokines/chemokines measured by using multiplex assays. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of hot flashes with these pro-inflammatory factors. Settings The study was performed in a hospital medical center. Results The mean values of leukocyte number were not different between these four groups. The hot flash status had a positive tendency toward increased levels of circulating IL-6 (P-trend = 0.049), IL-8 (P-trend < 0.001), TNF-α (P-trend = 0.008), and MIP1β (P-trend = 0.04). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was significantly associated with IL-8 (P-trend < 0.001) and TNFα (P-trend = 0.007) among these nine cytokines/chemokines after adjustment for age, menopausal duration, BMI and FSH. Multivariate analysis further revealed that severe hot flashes were strongly associated with a higher IL-8 (% difference, 37.19%; 95% confidence interval, 14.98,63.69; P < 0.001) and TNFα (51.27%; 6.64,114.57; P < 0.05). Conclusion The present study provides evidence that hot flashes are associated with circulating IL-8 and TNF-α in healthy postmenopausal women. It suggests that hot flashes might be related to low-grade systemic inflammation. PMID:28846735

Joint effects of smoking and gene variants involved in sex steroid metabolism on hot flashes in late reproductive-age women.

PubMed

Butts, Samantha F; Freeman, Ellen W; Sammel, Mary D; Queen, Kaila; Lin, Hui; Rebbeck, Timothy R

2012-06-01

Although smoking has a known association with hot flashes, the factors distinguishing smokers at greatest risk for menopausal symptoms have not been well delineated. Recent evidence supports a relationship between menopausal symptoms and variants in several genes encoding enzymes that metabolize substrates such as sex steriods, xenobiotics, and catechols. It is currently not known whether the impact of smoking on hot flashes is modified by the presence of such variants. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between smoking and hot flash occurrence as a function of genetic variation in sex steroid-metabolizing enzymes. A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Penn Ovarian Aging study, an ongoing population-based cohort of late reproductive-aged women, was performed. Smoking behavior was characterized. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in five genes were investigated: COMT Val158Met (rs4680), CYP1A2*1F (rs762551), CYP1B1*4 (Asn452Ser, rs1800440), CYP1B1*3 (Leu432Val, rs1056836), and CYP3A4*1B (rs2740574). Compared with nonsmokers, European-American COMT Val158Met double-variant carriers who smoked had increased odds of hot flashes [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-28.78)]; European-American COMT Val158Met double-variant carriers who smoked heavily had more frequent moderate or severe hot flashes than nonsmokers (AOR 13.7, 95% CI 1.2-154.9). European-American CYP 1B1*3 double-variant carriers who smoked described more frequent moderate or severe hot flashes than nonsmoking (AOR 20.6, 95% CI 1.64-257.93) and never-smoking (AOR 20.59, 95% CI 1.39-304.68) carriers, respectively. African-American single-variant CYP 1A2 carriers who smoked were more likely to report hot flashes than the nonsmoking carriers (AOR 6.16, 95% CI 1.11-33.91). This is the first report demonstrating the effects of smoking within the strata of gene variants involved in sex steroid metabolism on hot flashes in late reproductive-age women. The identification of individuals with a genetic susceptibility to smoking-related menopausal symptoms could contribute to interventions targeted at reducing reproductive morbidity both in the menopause and across the reproductive life course.

Circulating leptin and adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance in healthy postmenopausal women with hot flashes.

PubMed

Huang, Wan-Yu; Chang, Chia-Chu; Chen, Dar-Ren; Kor, Chew-Teng; Chen, Ting-Yu; Wu, Hung-Ming

2017-01-01

Hot flashes have been postulated to be linked to the development of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hot flashes, adipocyte-derived hormones, and insulin resistance in healthy, non-obese postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 151 women aged 45-60 years were stratified into one of three groups according to hot-flash status over the past three months: never experienced hot flashes (Group N), mild-to-moderate hot flashes (Group M), and severe hot flashes (Group S). Variables measured in this study included clinical parameters, hot flash experience, fasting levels of circulating glucose, lipid profiles, plasma insulin, and adipocyte-derived hormones. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of hot flashes with adipocyte-derived hormones, and with insulin resistance. The study was performed in a hospital medical center. The mean (standard deviation) of body-mass index was 22.8(2.7) for Group N, 22.6(2.6) for Group M, and 23.5(2.4) for Group S, respectively. Women in Group S displayed statistically significantly higher levels of leptin, fasting glucose, and insulin, and lower levels of adiponectin than those in Groups M and N. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was significantly associated with higher leptin levels, lower adiponectin levels, and higher leptin-to-adiponectin ratio. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was strongly associated with a higher HOMA-IR index (% difference, 58.03%; 95% confidence interval, 31.00-90.64; p < 0.001). The association between hot flashes and HOMA-IR index was attenuated after adjusting for leptin or adiponectin and was no longer significant after simultaneously adjusting for leptin and adiponectin. The present study provides evidence that hot flashes are associated with insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. It further suggests that hot flash association with insulin resistance is dependent on the combination of leptin and adiponectin variables.

Phase II evaluation of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for the treatment of hot flashes.

PubMed

Kadakia, Kunal C; Loprinzi, Charles L; Atherton, Pamela J; Fee-Schroeder, Kelliann C; Sood, Amit; Barton, Debra L

2016-03-01

Hot flashes are a significant source of symptom burden that negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). For women who have contraindications to, or are unwilling to consider, estrogens or antidepressants for bothersome hot flashes, there are limited effective pharmacologic or complementary and alternative medicines. This single-arm phase II trial studied the efficacy of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for the treatment of hot flashes. Eligible women were required to have reported ≥14 hot flashes per week for ≥1 month. The patients were treated with SAMe at a dose of 400 mg twice daily to evaluate whether a reduction in hot flash score appeared to be better than the historical placebo response of approximately 25%. The women kept a daily hot flash diary during a baseline week and then daily during weeks 2-7. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 7 in hot flash score and hot flash frequency. Secondary endpoints included toxicity analyses and the effect of SAMe on QOL. From October 28, 2010 to January 30, 2012, 43 women were treated with SAMe. The decrease in mean percent of baseline hot flash score and frequency was 35.4 and 32.6%, respectively. When compared to the historical placebo response of 25%, the effect of SAMe on hot flash score was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Treatment was well tolerated with expected grade 1/2 gastrointestinal toxicity and no negative effect on QOL. The use of SAMe does not appear to significantly reduce hot flashes more than would be expected with a placebo.

Nocturnal Hot Flashes: Relationship to Objective Awakenings and Sleep Stage Transitions

PubMed Central

Bianchi, Matt T.; Kim, Semmie; Galvan, Thania; White, David P.; Joffe, Hadine

2016-01-01

Study Objectives: While women report sleep interruption secondary to nighttime hot flashes, the sleep disrupting impact of nocturnal hot flashes (HF) is not well characterized. We utilized a model of induced HF to investigate the relationship of nighttime HF to sleep architecture and sleep-stage transitions. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy, premenopausal volunteers received the depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) leuprolide to rapidly induce menopause, manifesting with HF. Sleep disruption was measured on 2 polysomnograms conducted before and after 4–5 weeks on leuprolide, when HF had developed. Results: 165 HF episodes were recorded objectively during 48 sleep studies (mean 3.4 HF/night). After standardizing to sleep-stage time distribution, the majority of HF were recorded during wake (51.0%) and stage N1 (18.8%). Sixty-six percent of HF occurred within 5 minutes of an awakening, with 80% occurring just before or during the awakening. Objective HF were not associated with sleep disruption as measured by increased transitions to wake or N1, but self-reported nocturnal HF correlated with an increase from pre- to post-leuprolide in the rate of transitions to wake (p = 0.01), and to N1 (p = 0.008). Conclusions: By isolating the effect of HF on sleep in women without the confound of age-related sleep changes associated with natural menopause, this experimental model shows that HF arise most commonly during N1 and wake, typically preceding or occurring simultaneously with wake episodes. Perception of HF, but not objective HF, is linked to increased sleep-stage transitions, suggesting that sleep disruption increases awareness of and memory for nighttime HF events. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01116401. Citation: Bianchi MT, Kim S, Galvan T, White DP, Joffe H. Nocturnal hot flashes: relationship to objective awakenings and sleep stage transitions. J Clin Sleep Med 2016;12(7):1003–1009. PMID:26951410

Continuous transdermal nitroglycerin therapy for menopausal hot flashes: a single-arm, dose-escalation trial.

PubMed

Huang, Alison J; Cummings, Steven R; Schembri, Michael; Vittinghoff, Eric; Ganz, Peter; Grady, Deborah

2016-03-01

To describe the efficacy and tolerability of continuous nitroglycerin for treatment of hot flashes. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women reporting at least seven hot flashes per day were recruited into a single-arm, dose-escalation trial of continuous transdermal nitroglycerin. Participants were started on a generic 0.1 mg/hour nitroglycerin patch applied daily without patch-free periods. During 4 weeks, participants escalated dosage weekly to 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mg/hour as tolerated, then discontinued nitroglycerin during the final week. Changes in hot flash frequency and severity were assessed using symptom diaries. Paired t tests examined change in outcomes between baseline and maximal-dose therapy and after discontinuation of nitroglycerin. Of the 19 participants, mean age was 51.4 (±4.3) years. Women reported an average 10.6 (±3.0) hot flashes and 7.1 (±3.8) moderate-to-severe hot flashes per day at baseline. Eleven women escalated to 0.6 mg/hour, three to 0.4 mg/hour, two to 0.2 mg/hour, and one remained on 0.1 mg/hour nitroglycerin. Two discontinued nitroglycerin before the first outcomes assessment. Among the remaining 17 women, the average daily frequency of hot flashes decreased by 54% and the average frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased by 69% from baseline to maximum-dose therapy (P < 0.001 for both). After discontinuing nitroglycerin, participants reported an average 23% increase in frequency of any hot flashes (P = 0.041) and 96% increase in moderate-to-severe hot flashes (P < 0.001). Continuous nitroglycerin may substantially and reversibly decrease hot flash frequency and severity. If confirmed in a randomized blinded trial, it may offer a novel nonhormonal hot flash treatment.

Risk of long-term hot flashes after natural menopause: evidence from the Penn Ovarian Aging Study cohort.

PubMed

Freeman, Ellen W; Sammel, Mary D; Sanders, Richard J

2014-09-01

This study aims to estimate the risk of hot flashes relative to natural menopause and to evaluate the associations of hormone levels, behavioral variables, and demographic variables with the risk of hot flashes after menopause. We performed annual assessment of 255 women who were premenopausal at baseline and reached natural menopause within 16 years of follow-up. The prevalence of moderate/severe hot flashes increased in each premenopausal year, reaching a peak of 46% in the first 2 years after the final menstrual period (FMP). Hot flashes decreased slowly after menopause and did not return to premenopausal levels until 9 years after the FMP. The mean (SD) duration of moderate/severe hot flashes after the FMP was 4.6 (2.9) years (for any hot flashes, 4.9 [3.1] y). One third of women at 10 years or more after menopause continued to experience moderate/severe hot flashes. African-American women (obese and nonobese) and obese white women had significantly greater risks of hot flashes compared with nonobese white women (interaction, P = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, increasing follicle-stimulating hormone levels before the FMP (P < 0.001), decreasing estradiol (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.96; P = 0.008), and increasing anxiety (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06; P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for hot flashes, whereas higher education levels were protective (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.91; P = 0.011). Moderate/severe hot flashes continue, on average, for nearly 5 years after menopause; more than one third of women observed for 10 years or more after menopause have moderate/severe hot flashes. Continuation of hot flashes for more than 5 years after menopause underscores the importance of determining individual risks/benefits when selecting hormone or nonhormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.

A pilot study of magnetic therapy for hot flashes after breast cancer.

PubMed

Carpenter, Janet S; Wells, Nancy; Lambert, Beth; Watson, Peggy; Slayton, Tami; Chak, Bapsi; Hepworth, Joseph T; Worthington, W Bradley

2002-04-01

The purpose of this randomized placebo-controlled crossover pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of magnetic therapy for hot flashes among breast cancer survivors. Participants completed a 24-hour baseline hot-flash monitoring session, wore the magnetic devices or placebo for 3 days, completed an after-treatment hot-flash monitoring session, experienced a 10-day washout period, and then crossed over to the opposite study arm. Magnetic devices and placebos were placed on 6 acupressure sites corresponding to hot-flash relief. Complete data were available from 11 survivors of breast cancer. Results indicated magnetic therapy was no more effective than placebo in decreasing hot-flash severity, and contrary to expectations, placebo was significantly more effective than magnets in decreasing hot-flash frequency, bother, interference with daily activities, and overall quality of life. Implications for clinical practice and future research include the need to explore alternative interventions aimed at alleviating hot flashes in this population.

Circulating leptin and adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance in healthy postmenopausal women with hot flashes

PubMed Central

Huang, Wan-Yu; Chang, Chia-Chu; Chen, Dar-Ren; Kor, Chew-Teng; Chen, Ting-Yu; Wu, Hung-Ming

2017-01-01

Introduction Hot flashes have been postulated to be linked to the development of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hot flashes, adipocyte-derived hormones, and insulin resistance in healthy, non-obese postmenopausal women. Participants and design In this cross-sectional study, a total of 151 women aged 45–60 years were stratified into one of three groups according to hot-flash status over the past three months: never experienced hot flashes (Group N), mild-to-moderate hot flashes (Group M), and severe hot flashes (Group S). Variables measured in this study included clinical parameters, hot flash experience, fasting levels of circulating glucose, lipid profiles, plasma insulin, and adipocyte-derived hormones. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of hot flashes with adipocyte-derived hormones, and with insulin resistance. Settings The study was performed in a hospital medical center. Results The mean (standard deviation) of body-mass index was 22.8(2.7) for Group N, 22.6(2.6) for Group M, and 23.5(2.4) for Group S, respectively. Women in Group S displayed statistically significantly higher levels of leptin, fasting glucose, and insulin, and lower levels of adiponectin than those in Groups M and N. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was significantly associated with higher leptin levels, lower adiponectin levels, and higher leptin-to-adiponectin ratio. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that hot-flash severity was strongly associated with a higher HOMA-IR index (% difference, 58.03%; 95% confidence interval, 31.00–90.64; p < 0.001). The association between hot flashes and HOMA-IR index was attenuated after adjusting for leptin or adiponectin and was no longer significant after simultaneously adjusting for leptin and adiponectin. Conclusion The present study provides evidence that hot flashes are associated with insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. It further suggests that hot flash association with insulin resistance is dependent on the combination of leptin and adiponectin variables. PMID:28448547

Pilot evaluation of hypnosis for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Elkins, Gary; Marcus, Joel; Stearns, Vered; Hasan Rajab, M

2007-05-01

This single arm, pilot study investigated the use of hypnosis to reduce hot flashes in 16 breast cancer survivors. Each patient provided baseline data and received 4 weekly sessions of hypnosis that followed a standardized transcript. Patients were also instructed in self-hypnosis. Throughout the clinical care, patients completed daily diaries of the frequency and severity of their hot flashes. Patients also completed baseline and post-treatment ratings of the degree to which hot flashes interfered with daily activities and quality of life. Results indicated a 59% decrease in total daily hot flashes and a 70% decrease in weekly hot flash scores from their baselines. There was also a significant decrease in the degree to which hot flashes interfered with daily activities for all measures including work, social activities, leisure activities, sleep, mood, concentration, relations with others, sexuality, enjoyment of life, and overall quality of life. This pilot study suggests that clinical hypnosis may be an effective non-hormonal and non-pharmacological treatment for hot flashes. A randomized, controlled clinical trial is planned to more definitively elucidate the efficacy and applicability of hypnosis for reducing hot flashes.

Management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: Current treatment options, challenges and future directions

PubMed Central

Pachman, Deirdre R; Jones, Jason M; Loprinzi, Charles L

2010-01-01

Hot flashes are one of the most common and distressing symptoms associated with menopause, occurring in more than 75% of postmenopausal women. They are especially problematic in breast cancer patients since some breast cancer therapies can induce hot flashes. For mild hot flashes, it is proposed that behavioral modifications are the first step in management. Hormonal therapies, including estrogens and progestogens, are the most well known effective agents in relieving hot flashes; however, the safety of these agents is controversial. There is an increasing amount of literature on nonhormonal agents for the treatment of hot flashes. The most promising data regard newer antidepressant agents such as venlafaxine, which reduces hot flashes by about 60%. Gabapentin is another nonhormonal agent that is effective in reducing hot flashes. While many complimentary therapies, including phytoestrogens, black cohosh, and dehydroepiandrosterone, have been explored for the treatment of hot flashes; none can be recommended at this time. Furthermore, there is a lack of strong evidence to support exercise, yoga, or relaxation for the treatment of hot flashes. Paced respirations and hypnosis appear to be promising enough to warrant further investigation. Another promising nonpharmacological therapy, currently under investigation, involves a stellate ganglion block. PMID:21072305

Acupuncture as treatment of hot flashes and the possible role of calcitonin gene-related Peptide.

PubMed

Spetz Holm, Anna-Clara E; Frisk, Jessica; Hammar, Mats L

2012-01-01

The mechanisms behind hot flashes in menopausal women are not fully understood. The flashes in women are probably preceded by and actually initiated by a sudden downward shift in the set point for the core body temperature in the thermoregulatory center that is affected by sex steroids, β-endorphins, and other central neurotransmitters. Treatments that influence these factors may be expected to reduce hot flashes. Since therapy with sex steroids for hot flashes has appeared to cause a number of side effects and risks and women with hot flashes and breast cancer as well as men with prostate cancer and hot flashes are prevented from sex steroid therapy there is a great need for alternative therapies. Acupuncture affecting the opioid system has been suggested as an alternative treatment option for hot flashes in menopausal women and castrated men. The heat loss during hot flashes may be mediated by the potent vasodilator and sweat gland activator calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) the concentration of which increases in plasma during flashes in menopausal women and, according to one study, in castrated men with flushes. There is also evidence for connections between the opioid system and the release of CGRP. In this paper we discuss acupuncture as a treatment alternative for hot flashes and the role of CGRP in this context.

Hot flashes and midlife symptoms in relation to levels of salivary cortisol.

PubMed

Gerber, Linda M; Sievert, Lynnette L; Schwartz, Joseph E

2017-02-01

This study examined the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and hot flashes during midlife. Previous studies have shown that cortisol levels increase with hot flashes in the laboratory, and higher cortisol levels have been associated with more severe hot flashes. Salivary cortisol levels were also examined in relation to total number of midlife symptoms. Women aged 40-60 years (n=109) reported the presence or absence of 23 symptoms, including hot flashes, during the previous 2 weeks. Salivary samples were collected at waking, 30min after waking, 1h before bedtime, and at bedtime. The cortisol awakening response (CAR), cortisol daily decline (CDD), log transformed salivary cortisol levels at each time point, and mean cortisol levels were compared by hot flash report using t-tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between each cortisol measure and the presence or absence of hot flashes, after controlling for potential covariates. Salivary cortisol levels were not significantly associated with hot flashes or sum of symptoms. Hot flash report did not differentiate women who had a positive CAR from those who did not, or women who showed strong CDD from those who did not. Symptomatic women - defined by hot flash report or symptom total - were not found to have higher salivary cortisol levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Informing hot flash treatment decisions for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review of randomized trials comparing active interventions.

PubMed

Johns, Claire; Seav, Susan M; Dominick, Sally A; Gorman, Jessica R; Li, Hongying; Natarajan, Loki; Mao, Jun James; Irene Su, H

2016-04-01

Patient-centered decision making about hot flash treatments often incorporates a balance of efficacy and side effects in addition to patient preference. This systematic review examines randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two non-hormonal hot flash treatments in breast cancer survivors. In July 2015, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for RCTs comparing active, non-hormonal hot flash treatments in female breast cancer survivors. Thirteen trials were included after identifying 906 potential studies. Four trials were dose comparison studies of pharmacologic treatments citalopram, venlafaxine, gabapentin, and paroxetine. Hot flash reduction did not differ by tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor use. Citalopram 10, 20, and 30 mg daily had comparable outcomes. Venlafaxine 75 mg daily improved hot flashes without additional side effects from higher dosing. Gabapentin 900 mg daily improved hot flashes more than 300 mg. Paroxetine 10 mg daily had fewer side effects than 20 mg. Among four trials comparing different pharmacologic treatments, venlafaxine alleviated hot flash symptoms faster than clonidine; participants preferred venlafaxine over gabapentin. Five trials compared pharmacologic to non-pharmacologic treatments. Acupuncture had similar efficacy to venlafaxine and gabapentin but may have longer durability after completing treatment and fewer side effects. We could not perform a pooled meta-analysis because outcomes were not reported in comparable formats. Clinical trial data on non-hormonal hot flash treatments provide comparisons of hot flash efficacy and other patient important outcomes to guide clinical management. Clinicians can use the information to help patients select hot flash interventions.

Effects of flaxseed and Hypericum perforatum on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ghazanfarpour, Masumeh; Sadeghi, Ramin; Latifnejad Roudsari, Robab; Khadivzadeh, Talat; khorsand, Imaneh; Afiat, Maliheh; Esmaeilizadeh, Mahdi

2016-01-01

Objective: In this study, we aimed at evaluation of the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and flaxseed on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (RCT) to explore trials that assessed the effectiveness of H. perforatum and flaxseed on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers. In this regard, the following terms were used “menopause AND H. perforatum OR flaxseed OR Linum usitatissimum. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the study. Results: Nine RCTs were included in this systematic review. Based on the literature, flaxseed showed beneficial effect on hot flash frequency and intensity, which was not statistically significant. According to two trials, flaxseed showed estrogenic effects; however, no conclusion regarding cancer promoting or protecting effects can be made. The evidence of the efficacy of the flaxseed on alleviating vaginal atrophy was also limited due to inconsistent findings in this regard. One trial declared that Vitex agnus-castus and H. perforatum showed comparable decrease in the frequency of hot flashes. Conclusion: The results of our systematic review suggest beneficial effect on vasomotor symptom with both of flaxseed and H. perforatum. Consistent conclusion regarding estrogen-dependent cancers and maturation value is limited due to small number of trials related to flaxseed. Further trials are still needed to confirm the results of our systematic review. PMID:27462550

Support Vector Machines to improve physiologic hot flash measures: application to the ambulatory setting.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Hernandez, Javier; Del Rio, Jose M; De La Torre, Fernando

2011-07-01

Most midlife women have hot flashes. The conventional criterion (≥2 μmho rise/30 s) for classifying hot flashes physiologically has shown poor performance. We improved this performance in the laboratory with Support Vector Machines (SVMs), a pattern classification method. We aimed to compare conventional to SVM methods to classify hot flashes in the ambulatory setting. Thirty-one women with hot flashes underwent 24 h of ambulatory sternal skin conductance monitoring. Hot flashes were quantified with conventional (≥2 μmho/30 s) and SVM methods. Conventional methods had low sensitivity (sensitivity=.57, specificity=.98, positive predictive value (PPV)=.91, negative predictive value (NPV)=.90, F1=.60), with performance lower with higher body mass index (BMI). SVMs improved this performance (sensitivity=.87, specificity=.97, PPV=.90, NPV=.96, F1=.88) and reduced BMI variation. SVMs can improve ambulatory physiologic hot flash measures. Copyright © 2010 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Hot Flashes and Panic Attacks: A Comparison of Symptomatology, Neurobiology, Treatment, and a Role for Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanisch, Laura J.; Hantsoo, Liisa; Freeman, Ellen W.; Sullivan, Gregory M.; Coyne, James C.

2008-01-01

Despite decades of research, the causal mechanisms of hot flashes are not adequately understood, and a biopsychosocial perspective on hot flashes remains underdeveloped. This article explores overlooked parallels between hot flashes and panic attacks within 5 areas: course and symptomatology, physiological indicators, neurocircuitry and…

Phthalate metabolite levels and menopausal hot flashes in midlife women.

PubMed

Ziv-Gal, Ayelet; Gallicchio, Lisa; Chiang, Catheryne; Ther, Sara N; Miller, Susan R; Zacur, Howard A; Dills, Russell L; Flaws, Jodi A

2016-04-01

During the menopausal transition, a woman's reproductive capacity declines, her hormone milieu changes, and her risk of hot flashes increases. Exposure to phthalates, which can be found in personal care products, can also result in altered reproductive function. Here, we investigated the associations between phthalate metabolite levels and midlife hot flashes. Eligible women (45-54 years of age) provided detailed information on hot flashes history and donated urine samples (n=195). Urinary phthalate metabolite levels were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. A higher total sum of phthalate metabolites commonly found in personal care products was associated with an increased risk of ever experiencing hot flashes (odds ratio (OR)=1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.07-1.96), hot flashes in the past 30days (OR=1.43; 95%CI=1.04-1.96), and more frequent hot flashes (OR=1.47; 95%CI=1.06-2.05). These data suggest that some phthalate exposures from personal care products are associated with menopausal hot flashes in women. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phthalate metabolite levels and menopausal hot flashes in midlife women

PubMed Central

Ziv-Gal, Ayelet; Gallicchio, Lisa; Chiang, Catheryne; Ther, Sara N.; Miller, Susan R.; Zacur, Howard A.; Dills, Russell L.; Flaws, Jodi A.

2016-01-01

During the menopausal transition, a woman’s reproductive capacity declines, her hormone milieu changes, and her risk of hot flashes increases. Exposure to phthalates, which can be found in personal-care products, can also result in altered reproductive function. Here, we investigated the associations between phthalate metabolite levels and midlife hot flashes. Eligible women (45–54 years of age) provided detailed information on hot flashes history and donated urine samples (n=195). Urinary phthalate metabolite levels were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. A higher total sum of phthalate metabolites commonly found in personal-care products was associated with an increased risk of ever experiencing hot flashes (odds ratio (OR)=1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.07–1.96), hot flashes in the past 30 days (OR=1.43; 95%CI=1.04–1.96), and more frequent hot flashes (OR=1.47; 95%CI=1.06–2.05). These data suggest that some phthalate exposures from personal care products are associated with menopausal hot flashes in women. PMID:26867866

Efficacy of a biobehavioral intervention for hot flashes: a randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Barton, Debra L; Schroeder, Kelliann C Fee; Banerjee, Tanima; Wolf, Sherry; Keith, Timothy Z; Elkins, Gary

2017-07-01

The need for effective nonhormonal treatments for hot flash management without unwanted side effects continues. The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of combining a nonhormonal pharmacologic agent with a behavioral treatment for hot flash reduction. Seventy-one postmenopausal women were randomized to one of four groups: venlafaxine 75 mg + hypnosis (VH) versus venlafaxine 75 mg + sham hypnosis (VSH) versus a placebo pill + hypnosis (PH) versus placebo pill + sham hypnosis (PSH). Women recorded hot flash severity and frequency in a daily diary, in real time. The intrapatient difference in hot flash score (frequency × severity) at 8 weeks was analyzed using a General Estimating Equation model, using VSH as the referent arm, controlling for baseline hot flashes. The active arms including PH or VH were not statistically significantly different than VSH (P = 0.34, P = 0.05, respectively). Women in each active arm reported hot flash reductions of about 50%, with the PSH group reporting a 25% reduction. Women receiving the PSH reported statistically significantly smaller reductions in hot flash score than women in the referent VSH arm (P = 0.001). There were no significant negative side effects during the course of the study. Hypnosis alone reduced hot flashes equal to venlafaxine alone, but the combination of hypnosis and venlafaxine did not reduce hot flashes more than either treatment alone. More research is needed to clarify whether combining hypnosis with a different antidepressant would provide synergistic benefits.

History of hot flashes and aortic calcification among postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Kuller, Lewis H; Edmundowicz, Daniel; Matthews, Karen A

2010-03-01

Menopausal hot flashes are considered largely a quality-of-life issue. However, emerging research also links hot flashes to cardiovascular risk. In some investigations, this risk is particularly apparent among women using hormone therapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether a longer history of reported hot flashes over the study period was associated with greater aortic and coronary artery calcification. Interactions with hormone therapy use were examined in an exploratory fashion. Participants included 302 women participating in the Healthy Women Study, a longitudinal study of cardiovascular risk during perimenopause and postmenopause, which was initiated in 1983. Hot flashes (any/none) were assessed when women were 1, 2, 5, and 8 years postmenopausal. Electron beam tomography measures of coronary artery calcification and aortic calcification were completed in 1997-2004. Associations between the number of visits with report of hot flashes, divided by the number of visits attended, and aortic or coronary artery calcification (transformed) were examined in linear regression models. Interactions by hormone therapy use were evaluated. Among women using hormone therapy, a longer history of reported hot flashes was associated with increased aortic calcification, controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (b = 2.87, SE = 1.21, P < 0.05). There were no significant associations between history of hot flashes and coronary artery calcification. Among postmenopausal women using hormone therapy, a longer history of reported hot flashes measured prospectively was associated with increased aortic calcification, controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Hot flashes may signal adverse cardiovascular changes among certain postmenopausal women.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Hot Flash in Midlife Women: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shobeiri, Fatemeh; Jenabi, Ensiyeh; Poorolajal, Jalal; Hazavehei, Seyyed Mohammad Mahdi

2016-04-01

The association between body mass index (BMI) and hot flash risk has not been specifically clarifies yet. This meta-analysis was, therefore, conducted to estimate the association between overweight and obesity and hot flash risk. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies addressing the association between BMI and hot flash until August 2015. Data were independently extracted and analyzed using 95% odds ratio (OR), and confidence intervals (CI) based on the random-effects models. We identified 2,244 references and conducted seven studies with 4,219 participants. The association between hot flash and overweight was estimated 1.13 (95% CI: 0.97-1.32) and that of obesity was estimated 1.79 (95% CI: 1.52-2.11). No evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was observed. This meta-analysis demonstrated that, though not to a great extent, obesity does increase the risk of hot flash. The findings from this meta-analysis indicated that obesity is associated with an increased risk of hot flash. Further large prospective cohort studies are required to provide convincing evidence as to whether or not BMI is associated with an increased risk of hot flashes.

Hypnosis for hot flashes among postmenopausal women study: A study protocol of an ongoing randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Hot flashes are a highly prevalent problem associated with menopause and breast cancer treatments. The recent findings from the Women's Health Initiative have important implications for the significance of a non-hormonal, mind-body intervention for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. Women who take hormone therapy long-term may have a 1.2 to 2.0 fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, it is now known that hormone therapy with estrogen and progestin is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Currently there are limited options to hormone replacement therapy as non-hormonal pharmacological agents are associated with only modest activity and many adverse side effects. Because of this there is a need for more alternative, non-hormonal therapies. Hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that has been shown to reduce self-reported hot flashes by up to 68% among breast cancer survivors, however, the use of hypnosis for hot flashes among post-menopausal women has not been adequately explored and the efficacy of hypnosis in reducing physiologically measured hot flashes has not yet been determined. Methods/design A sample of 180 post-menopausal women will be randomly assigned to either a 5-session Hypnosis Intervention or 5-session structured-attention control with 12 week follow-up. The present study will compare hypnosis to a structured-attention control in reducing hot flashes (perceived and physiologically monitored) in post-menopausal women in a randomized clinical trial. Outcomes will be hot flashes (self-report daily diaries; physiological monitoring; Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); anxiety visual analog scale (VAS rating); depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), sexual functioning (Sexual Activity Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and cortisol. Discussion This study will be the first full scale test of hypnosis for hot flashes; one of the first studies to examine both perceived impact and physiologically measured impact of a mind-body intervention for hot flashes using state-of-the-art 24 hour ambulatory physiological monitoring; the first study to examine the effect of hypnosis for hot flashes on cortisol; and the first investigation of the role of cognitive expectancies in treatment of hot flashes in comparison to a Structured-Attention Control. Trial Registration This clinical trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01293695. PMID:21989181

Biochemical markers for cardiovascular disease in recently postmenopausal women with or without hot flashes.

PubMed

Tuomikoski, Pauliina; Mikkola, Tomi S; Hämäläinen, Esa; Tikkanen, Matti J; Turpeinen, Ursula; Ylikorkala, Olavi

2010-01-01

Menopausal hot flashes may affect vascular function and perhaps explain conflicting data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) between observational and randomized hormone therapy (HT) studies. We prospectively assessed hot flash status in recently postmenopausal women and related it to a number of biochemical vascular surrogate markers for CVD. Healthy, nonsmoking women (n = 150) exhibiting a broad range (no, mild, moderate, severe) of hot flashes and an onset of menopause within the previous 0.5 to 3 years were studied with laboratory tests for lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and sex hormone-binding globulin. Apart from marked differences in hot flashes, the groups showed comparable levels of estrone, estradiol, or free estradiol index. The levels of total cholesterol (3.7-9.1 mmol/L) were similar between the groups (P = 0.744), and hypercholesterolemia (>6.5 mmol/L) was encountered equally often (P = 0.699). No difference was seen in high-, low-, or very low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B (or their ratio), or lipoprotein(a) between the groups. The levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein correlated negatively with each other (r = -0.204; P = 0.013) but showed no dependence on hot flashes (P = 0.531 and P = 0.215, respectively). No baseline difference in lipid or nonlipid CVD risk factors was observed between women with hot flashes (potential HT users) and women with no or mild hot flashes (potential HT nonusers). This may imply that hot flash status per se cannot explain the difference between observational and randomized trials.

Sternal skin conductance: a reasonable surrogate for hot flash measurement?

PubMed

Pachman, Deirdre R; Loprinzi, Charles L; Novotny, Paul J; Satele, Daniel V; Linquist, Breanna M; Wolf, Sherry; Barton, Debra L

2013-11-01

This study aims to examine the accuracy of a new sternal skin conductance (SSC) device in measuring hot flashes and to assess the acceptability of the device by women. Three small descriptive pilot studies were performed using two sequential prototypes of the SSC device developed by an engineering device company in the Midwest. The devices were worn either in a monitored setting for 24 hours or in an ambulatory setting for 5 weeks. During the study period, women recorded hot flashes in a prospective hot flash diary and answered questions about the acceptability of wearing the SSC device. The first prototype was not able to collect any analyzable skin conductance data owing to various malfunction issues, including poor conductance and battery failure. However, 16 women wore the device for 5 weeks and reported that wearing the device was acceptable, although 31% stated that it interfered with daily activities. Hot flash data from the second prototype revealed a 24% concordance rate between self-reported and device-recorded hot flashes. Findings from these studies support discordance between device-recorded and self-reported hot flashes. In addition, the studies reveal further limitations of SSC monitoring, including difficulties with data collection and lack of consistency in interpretation. Based on these results and other recent trials identifying issues with SSC methodology, it is time to find a better physiologic surrogate measure for hot flashes.

Hot flashes are not predictive for serum concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Tamoxifen has dramatically reduced the recurrence and mortality rate of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. However, the efficacy of tamoxifen varies between individuals and 40% of patients will have a recurrence despite adjuvant tamoxifen treatment. Factors that predict tamoxifen efficacy would be helpful for optimizing treatment. Serum concentrations of the active metabolite, endoxifen, may be positively related to treatment outcome. In addition, hot flashes are suggested to be positively associated with tamoxifen treatment outcome. Methods We investigated in a series of 109 patients whether the frequency and severity of hot flashes were related to concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites. A serum sample of all patients was analyzed for the concentration of tamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen, endoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen, as well as for estradiol concentrations and several single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP2D6. Additionally, these patients completed a questionnaire concerning biometric data and treatment side effects. Results We found no evidence supporting an association between concentrations of tamoxifen or metabolites and either the frequency or severity of hot flashes in the covariate unadjusted analyses. However, including interactions with menopausal status and pre-treatment hot flash (PTHF) history indicated that post-menopausal women with PTHF experienced an increasing frequency of hot flashes with increasing serum concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites. This finding was not altered when adjusting for potential confounding factors (duration of tamoxifen treatment, CYP2D6 phenotype, estradiol serum concentration, age and body mass index). In addition we observed a positive association between body mass index and both hot flash frequency (p = 0.04) and severity (p < 0.0001). We also observed that patients with lower estradiol levels reported more severe hot flashes (p = 0.02). Conclusions No univariate associations were observed between concentrations of active tamoxifen metabolites and either the frequency or severity of hot flashes during treatment. However, the frequency of hot flashes may be exacerbated by higher serum concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites in post-menopausal women with a history of hot flashes prior to tamoxifen treatment. PMID:24373320

Current alcohol use is associated with a reduced risk of hot flashes in midlife women.

PubMed

Schilling, Chrissy; Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R; Babus, Janice K; Lewis, Lynn M; Zacur, Howard; Flaws, Jodi A

2005-01-01

To examine the relation between current alcohol use, estradiol, estrone, and testosterone levels, and hot flashes in midlife women using a case-control study design. Cases were midlife women (45-54 years) who reported ever experiencing hot flashes. Controls were midlife women (45-54 years) who reported never experiencing hot flashes. Each participant completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample that was used to measure estradiol, estrone, and testosterone levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicate that current alcohol use (at least one day per month) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hot flashes compared to non-use of alcohol, independent of age and smoking habits. The hot flashes experienced by current alcohol users were less severe and less frequent than those experienced by non-users of alcohol. Further, current alcohol users had similar levels of estradiol, estrone, and testosterone compared to non-users of alcohol. These data suggest that current alcohol use is associated with a reduced risk of any, severe, and frequent hot flashes in midlife women by a mechanism that may not include changes in sex steroid hormone levels.

Serum leptin levels, hormone levels, and hot flashes in midlife women.

PubMed

Alexander, Carolyn; Cochran, Chrissy J; Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R; Flaws, Jodi A; Zacur, Howard

2010-08-01

To examine the associations between serum leptin levels, sex steroid hormone levels, and hot flashes in normal weight and obese midlife women. Cross-sectional study. University clinic. 201 Caucasian, nonsmoking women aged 45 to 54 years with a body mass index of <25 kg/m2 or >or=30 kg/m2. Questionnaire, fasting blood samples. Serum leptin and sex steroid hormone levels. Correlation and regression models were performed to examine associations between leptin levels, hormone levels, and hot flashes. Leptin levels were associated with BMI, with "ever experiencing hot flashes" (questionnaire), with hot flashes within the last 30 days, and with duration of hot flashes (>1 year, P=.03). Leptin was positively correlated with testosterone, free testosterone index, and free estrogen index and inversely associated with levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. In women with a body mass index>or=30 kg/m2, leptin levels no longer correlated with testosterone levels. Serum leptin levels are associated with the occurrence and duration of hot flashes in midlife women; however, no correlation was found between leptin and serum estradiol. Copyright (c) 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary change and reduced breast cancer events among women without hot flashes after treatment of early-stage breast cancer: subgroup analysis of the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study1234

PubMed Central

Pierce, John P; Natarajan, Loki; Caan, Bette J; Flatt, Shirley W; Kealey, Sheila; Gold, Ellen B; Hajek, Richard A; Newman, Vicky A; Rock, Cheryl L; Pu, Minya; Saquib, Nazmus; Stefanick, Marcia L; Thomson, Cynthia A; Parker, Barbara

2009-01-01

Background: A diet high in vegetables, fruit, and fiber and low in fat decreased additional risk of secondary breast cancer events in women without hot flashes (HF−) compared with that in women with hot flashes (HF+), possibly through lowered concentrations of circulating estrogens. Objective: The objective was to investigate the intervention effect by baseline quartiles of dietary pattern among breast cancer survivors in the HF− subgroup of the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study. Design: A randomized controlled trial compared a putative cancer prevention diet with a diet of 5 servings of vegetables and fruit daily in early-stage breast cancer survivors. Participants did not experience hot flashes at baseline (n = 896). We confirmed cancer status for 96% of participants ≈7.3 y after enrollment. Results: The study intervention achieved a large between-group difference in dietary pattern that, at 4 y, was not significantly different across baseline quartiles of dietary pattern. The intervention group experienced fewer breast cancer events than did the comparison group for all of the baseline quartiles. This difference was significant only in upper baseline quartiles of intake of vegetables, fruit, and fiber and in the lowest quartile of fat. A significant trend for fewer breast cancer events was observed across quartiles of vegetable-fruit and fiber consumption. Conclusions: The secondary analysis showing the decreased risk in the HF− subgroup was not explained by amount of change in dietary pattern achieved. The difference was strongest in the quartile with the most putatively cancer-preventive dietary pattern at baseline. PMID:19339393

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (PDQ®)—Patient Version

Cancer.gov

Hot flashes and night sweats can be a side effect of cancer or its treatment and can occur in both women and men. Learn more about hot flashes and night sweats and ways to treat them in this expert-reviewed summary.

Is Homepathy Effective for Hot Flashes and other Estrogen-Withdrawal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors? A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

AD__________ Award Number: DAMD17-99-1-9438 TITLE: Is Homeopathy Effective for Hot Flashes and Other Estrogen-Withdrawal Symptoms in Breast Cancer...Mar 00) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS Is Homeopathy Effective for Hot Flashes and Other Estrogen- DAMD17-99-1-9438 Withdrawal Symptoms in...there is evidence that homeopathy is an effective treatment to improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors who are experiencing hot flashes

Daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones are potentially effective in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women.

PubMed

Khaodhiar, Lalita; Ricciotti, Hope A; Li, Linglin; Pan, Weijun; Schickel, Mary; Zhou, Jinrong; Blackburn, George L

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DRIs on hot flash symptoms in menopausal women. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of menopausal women, aged 38 to 60 years, who experienced 4 to 14 hot flashes per day. After a 1-week run-in period, a total of 190 menopausal women were randomized to receive a placebo or 40 or 60 mg/day of a DRI for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean changes from baseline to week 12 in the frequency of hot flashes recorded in the participant diary. The secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life and hormonal profiles. A total of 147 women (77%) completed the study. It was found that 40 and 60 mg of DRI improved hot flash frequency and severity equally. At 8 weeks hot flash frequency was reduced by 43% in the 40-mg DRI group and by 41% in the 60-mg DRI group, compared with 32% in the placebo group (P = not significant vs placebo). The corresponding numbers for 12 weeks were 52%, 51%, and 39%, respectively (P = 0.07 and 0.09 vs placebo). When comparing the two treatment groups with the placebo group, there were significant reductions in mean daily hot flash frequency. The supplement (either 40 or 60 mg) reduced hot flash frequency by 43% at 8 weeks (P = 0.1) and 52% at 12 weeks (P = 0.048) but did not cause any significant changes in endogenous sex hormones or thyroid hormones. Menopausal quality of life improved in all three groups, although there were no statistically significant differences between groups. DRI supplementation may be an effective and acceptable alternative to hormone treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

CYP2D6 genotype in relation to hot flashes as tamoxifen side effect in a Dutch cohort of the tamoxifen exemestane adjuvant multinational (TEAM) trial.

PubMed

Dezentjé, Vincent O; Gelderblom, Hans; Van Schaik, Ron H N; Vletter-Bogaartz, Judith M; Van der Straaten, Tahar; Wessels, Judith A M; Kranenbarg, Elma Meershoek-Klein; Berns, Els M; Seynaeve, Caroline; Putter, Hein; Van de Velde, Cornelis J H; Nortier, Johan W R; Guchelaar, Henk-Jan

2014-01-01

In tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients the occurrence of hot flashes may be associated with effective estrogen receptor antagonism dependent on genetic variations of metabolic enzymes and the estrogen receptor. Early breast cancer patients who were randomized to receive tamoxifen, followed by exemestane within the tamoxifen exemestane adjuvant multinational trial were genotyped for five CYP2D6 alleles. CYP2D6 genotypes and phenotypes were related to the occurrence of hot flashes as adverse event during the first year of tamoxifen use (primary aim) and the time to the occurrence of hot flashes as AE during the complete time on tamoxifen (secondary aim). In addition, exploratory analyses on 22 genetic variants of other metabolic enzymes and two common polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor-1 were performed. No association was found between the CYP2D6 genotype/phenotype or any other genetic variant and hot flashes during the first year. Only higher age was related to a lower incidence of hot flashes in the first year (adjusted odds ratio 0.94, 95 % CI 0.92-0.96; p < 0.001). The ESR1 PvuII XbaI CG haplotype was associated with the time to the occurrence of hot flashes during the complete time on tamoxifen (CG/CG vs. CG/other + other/other: adjusted hazard ratio 0.49, 95 % CI 0.25-0.97; p = 0.04). In conclusion, the CYP2D6 genotypes and phenotypes were not associated with the occurrence of hot flashes. Common polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor-1 might predict hot flashes as common tamoxifen side effect, although this finding needs replication.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates cutaneous vasodilation during the post-menopausal hot flash

PubMed Central

Hubing, Kimberly A.; Wingo, Jonathan E.; Brothers, R. Matthew; Coso, Juan Del; Low, David A.; Crandall, Craig G.

2010-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that local inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis attenuates cutaneous vasodilator responses during post-menopausal hot flashes. Methods Four microdialysis membranes were inserted into forearm skin (dorsal surface) of 8 post-menopausal women (mean ± SD, 51±7 y). Ringers solution (control), 10mM Ketorolac (Keto) to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, 10mM NG-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to inhibit nitric oxide synthase, and a combination of 10mM Keto + 10mM L-NAME were each infused at the separate sites. Skin blood flow at each site was indexed using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as laser-Doppler flux/mean arterial blood pressure and was expressed as a percentage of the maximal calculated CVC (CVCmax) obtained following infusion of 50mM sodium nitropruside at all sites at the end of the study. Data from 13 hot flashes were analyzed. Results At the control site, the mean ± SD peak increase in CVC was 15.5±6% CVCmax units. This value was not different relative to the peak increase in CVC at the Keto site (13.0±5 % CVCmax units, P = 0.09). However, the peak increase in CVC during the flash was attenuated at the L-NAME and L-NAME + Keto sites (7.4±4 % CVCmax units and 8.7±7 % CVCmax units, respectively) relative to both the control and the Keto sites (P<0.05 for both comparisons). There were no significant differences in the peak increases in sweat rate between any of the sites (P = 0.24). Conclusions These data demonstrate that cutaneous vasodilation during a hot flash has a nitric oxide component. Increases in CVC despite the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis suggest prostaglandins do not contribute to cutaneous vasodilation during a hot flash. PMID:20505548

An investigation of life circumstances associated with the experience of hot flashes in Campeche, Mexico.

PubMed

Huicochea-Gómez, Laura; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Cahuich-Campos, Diana; Brown, Daniel E

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to better understand the experience of calores (hot flashes) in the state of Campeche, Mexico, and characteristics of women's lives. This study was carried out to understand the sociocultural context of women's lives before conducting a larger semistructured survey in the same communities. Eighty-five women from rural and urban settings participated in open-ended interviews about the menopausal transition, with particular attention to hot flashes. Univariate and logistic regression analyses identified potential determinants of hot flashes. Qualitative responses were analyzed for central themes from the 40 women who experienced "calores" associated with menopause at the time of interview. The word "calores" was used to describe a variety of sensations and experiences related to the hot climate, infections, going in and out of air-conditioning, emotional stress, and physical exertion, as well as the symptom associated with menopause. In quantitative analyses, the likelihood of experiencing hot flashes varied by menopause status and rural/urban residence. In qualitative analyses, themes that characterized the lives of women with hot flashes were as follows: the search for, and the availability of, biomedical care; presence or absence of networks of social support; marital status and quality of the relationship; and occupational stress. Hot flash questionnaires can elicit different symptom frequencies depending on the language used and the sociocultural context of women's lives. Qualitative findings suggest that the themes most likely to influence the perception and experience of hot flashes in Campeche are biomedicine, social support, marriage, and stress.

Menopausal hot flashes and insulin resistance.

PubMed

Tuomikoski, Pauliina; Ylikorkala, Olavi; Mikkola, Tomi S

2012-10-01

Recent data have indicated that menopausal hot flashes may be a determinant for cardiovascular health. Therefore, we studied the impact of hot flashes on insulin resistance, one of the most powerful markers of cardiovascular health, in recently postmenopausal women. We studied 143 recently postmenopausal (amenorrhea 6-36 mo) healthy and normal-weight women without previous hormone therapy use. The women prospectively recorded the number and severity of hot flashes for 2 weeks, and a validated total symptom score, the hot flash weekly weighted score, was calculated for each woman. Insulin resistance was assessed from fasting blood levels of glucose and insulin with the homeostasis model assessment. In 12 women, the assessment of insulin (n = 11) or glucose (n = 1) failed, and they were excluded from further analysis. Thus, hot flashes were absent in 19, mild in 32, moderate in 27, and severe in 53 women. The levels of glucose or insulin, or HOMA showed no differences between these groups, nor was insulin resistance related to the number or severity of hot flashes or to the levels of C-reactive protein or sex hormone-binding globulin. Overall, insulin resistance showed a positive association with body mass index (mean difference, 0.058; 95% CI, 0.015-0.102; P = 0.009) and a negative association with level of estradiol (mean difference, -0.002; 95% CI, -0.003 to -0.001; P = 0.009). Insulin resistance may not be involved in hot flash-related changes in cardiovascular health. However, because of the small sample size, these findings need to be interpreted with caution.

Hot Flashes Among Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Psychosocial and Quality of Life Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

hot flashes on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life , and compare the accuracy of alternative means of assessing hot flashes. The overarching goal is to...diverse applications. Results will have implications for the education of oncologists with respect to quality of life issues in prostate cancer, set

Hot Flashes Among Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Psychosocial and Quality of Life Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

of hot flashes on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life , and compare the accuracy of alternative means of assessing hot flashes. The overarching goal is...diverse applications. Results will have implications for the education of oncologists with respect to quality of life issues in prostate cancer, set

Hot flashes, core body temperature, and metabolic parameters in breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Carpenter, Janet S; Gilchrist, Janet M; Chen, Kong; Gautam, Shiva; Freedman, Robert R

2004-01-01

To examine core body temperature, energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient among breast cancer survivors experiencing hot flashes and compare these data to published studies from healthy women. In an observational study, nine breast cancer survivors with daily hot flashes who met specified criteria spent 24 hours in a temperature- and humidity-controlled whole-room indirect calorimeter (ie, metabolic room). Demographic and disease/treatment information were obtained and the following were measured: hot flashes via sternal skin conductance monitoring (sampled every second); core body temperature via an ingested radiotelemetry pill (sampled every 10 seconds); and energy expenditure and respiratory quotient via a whole-room indirect calorimeter (calculated every minute). Circadian analysis of core temperature indicated wide variability with disrupted circadian rhythm noted in all women. Core temperature began to rise 20 minutes pre-flash to 7 minutes pre-flash (0.09 degrees C increase). Increases in energy expenditure and respiratory quotient increased with each hot flash. Findings are comparable to published data from healthy women and warrant replication in larger, more diverse samples of women treated for breast cancer.

Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Hot Flashes in Cancer

PubMed Central

Fisher, William I.; Johnson, Aimee K.; Elkins, Gary R.; Otte, Julie L.; Burns, Debra S.; Yu, Menggang; Carpenter, Janet S.

2012-01-01

Hot flashes are prevalent and severe symptoms that can interfere with mood, sleep, and quality of life for women and men with cancer. The purpose of this article is to review existing literature on the risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of hot flashes in persons with cancer. Electronic searches were conducted to identify relevant, English-language literature published through June 15, 2012. Results indicated that risk factors for hot flashes in cancer include patient-related factors (eg, age, race/ethnicity, educational level, smoking history, cardiovascular risk including BMI, and genetics) and disease-related factors (eg, cancer diagnosis, and dose/type of treatment). In addition, although the pathophysiology of hot flashes has remained elusive, these symptoms are likely attributable to disruptions in thermoregulation and neurochemicals. Therapies that have been offered or tested fall into 4 broad categories: pharmacological, nutraceutical, surgical, and complementary/behavioral strategies. The evidence base for this broad range of therapies varies, with some treatments not yet having been fully tested or showing equivocal results. The evidence base surrounding all therapies is evaluated to enhance hot flash treatment decision making by clinicians and patients. PMID:23355109

Efficacy of a non-hormonal treatment, BRN-01, on menopausal hot flashes: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Colau, Jean-Claude; Vincent, Stéphane; Marijnen, Philippe; Allaert, François-André

2012-09-01

Homeopathic medicines have a place among the non-hormonal therapies for the treatment of hot flashes during the menopause. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the non-hormonal treatment BRN-01 in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out between June 2010 and July 2011. The study was conducted in 35 active centers in France (gynecologists in private practice). One hundred and eight menopausal women, ≥ 50 years of age, were enrolled in the study. The eligibility criteria included menopause for <24 months and ≥ 5 hot flashes per day with a significant negative effect on the women's professional and/or personal life. Treatment was either BRN-01 tablets, a registered homeopathic medicine containing Actaea racemosa (4 centesimal dilutions [4CH]), Arnica montana (4CH), Glonoinum (4CH), Lachesis mutus (5CH), and Sanguinaria canadensis (4CH), or identical placebo tablets, prepared by Laboratoires Boiron according to European Pharmacopoeia standards. Oral treatment (2 to 4 tablets per day) was started on day 3 after study enrollment and was continued for 12 weeks. The main outcome measure was the hot flash score (HFS) compared before, during, and after treatment. Secondary outcome criteria were the quality of life (QoL) [measured using the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS)], severity of symptoms (measured using the Menopause Rating Scale), evolution of the mean dosage, and compliance. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded. One hundred and one women were included in the final analysis (intent-to-treat population: BRN-01, n = 50; placebo, n = 51). The global HFS over the 12 weeks, assessed as the area under the curve (AUC) adjusted for baseline values, was significantly lower in the BRN-01 group than in the placebo group (mean ± SD 88.2 ± 6.5 versus 107.2 ± 6.4; p = 0.0411). BRN-01 was well tolerated; the frequency of AEs was similar in the two treatment groups, and no serious AEs were attributable to BRN-01. BRN-01 seemed to have a significant effect on the HFS, compared with placebo. According to the results of this clinical trial, BRN-01 may be considered a new therapeutic option with a safe profile for hot flashes in menopausal women who do not want or are not able to take hormone replacement therapy or other recognized treatments for this indication. Trial registration number (EudraCT): 2009-016959-21.

Therapeutic options for the management of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: an evidence-based review.

PubMed

Bordeleau, Louise; Pritchard, Kathleen; Goodwin, Pamela; Loprinzi, Charles

2007-02-01

Women with breast cancer may experience treatment-induced menopausal symptoms or natural menopause. Menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes, are reported at a high frequency in this group and tend to be more severe, distressing, and of greater duration than in controls. Because of the contribution of sex hormones to breast cancer, the use of hormonal agents for the control of hot flashes is problematic in these women. Safer nonhormonal alternatives are recommended for this patient group. This was a systematic review of the therapeutic options for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. MEDLINE was searched from 1990 to July 2006 using the disease-specific term breast neoplasms and the subheadings menopause and hot flashes. EMBASE was searched from 1990 to March 2006 using the disease-specific subject headings breast tumor/ breast cancer and menopause and the key word hot flashes. The reference lists of the identified articles and relevant review articles were examined for additional publications. Pertinent articles and abstracts of large randomized controlled trials focusing on the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors were selected for review. Pilot studies were excluded. A number of nonpharmacologic approaches are available for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, although they appear to be of limited effectiveness. Complementary alternative medicine therapies and vitamin E have been found to have modest effectiveness at best, and data on their long-term safety are not available. Centrally active agents such as the antidepressants venlafaxine and paroxetine and the anti seizure agent gabapentin have shown clinical effectiveness and appear to be reasonably well tolerated in this population. Centrally active agents (eg, venlafaxine, paroxetine, gabapentin) are regarded as the most promising nonhormonal treatments for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. Nonpharmacologic and complementary alternative medicine therapies have limited effectiveness.

Gabapentin for hot flashes in 420 women with breast cancer: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

PubMed Central

Pandya, K J; Morrow, G R; Roscoe, J A; Hickok, J T; Zhao, H; Pajon, E; Sweeney, T J; Banerjee, T K; Flynn, P J

2005-01-01

Summary Background Most women receiving systemic therapy for breast cancer experience hot flashes. We undertook a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional trial to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in controlling hot flashes in women with breast cancer. Methods 420 women with breast cancer who were having two or more hot flashes per day were randomly assigned placebo, gabapentin 300 mg/day, or gabapentin 900 mg/day by mouth in three divided doses for 8 weeks. Each patient kept a 1-week, self-report diary on the frequency, severity, and duration of hot flashes before the start of the study and during weeks 4 and 8 of treatment. Analyses were by intention to treat. Findings Evaluable data were available on 371 participants at 4 weeks (119 placebo, 123 gabapentin 300 mg, and 129 gabapentin 900 mg) and 347 at 8 weeks (113 placebo, 114 gabapentin 300 mg, and 120 gabapentin 900 mg). The percentage decreases in hot-flash severity score between baseline and weeks 4 and 8, respectively were: 21% (95% CI 12 to 30) and 15% (1 to 29) in the placebo group; 33% (23 to 43) and 31% (16 to 46) in the group assigned gabapentin 300 mg; and 49% (42 to 56) and 46% (34 to 58) in the group assigned gabapentin 900 mg. The differences between the groups were significant (p=0.0001 at 4 weeks and p=0.007 at 8 weeks by ANCOVA for overall treatment effect, adjusted for baseline values); only the higher dose of gabapentin was associated with significant decreases in hot-flash frequency and severity. Interpretation Gabapentin is effective in the control of hot flashes at a dose of 900 mg/day, but not at a dose of 300 mg/day. This drug should be considered for treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer. PMID:16139656

Do Japanese American Women Really Have Fewer Hot Flashes than European Americans? The Hilo Women's Health Study

PubMed Central

Brown, Daniel E.; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Morrison, Lynn A.; Reza, Angela M.; Mills, Phoebe S.

2009-01-01

Objective Many studies have found a significantly lower frequency of reported hot flashes (HFs) in Japanese and Japanese American (JA) populations, leading to speculation about possible dietary, genetic, or cultural differences. These studies have relied upon subjective reports of HFs. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to compare both reported and objective HFs measured by sternal and nuchal skin conductance among JA and European American (EA) women. Design Two surveys of hot flash frequencies were carried out among women of either EA or JA ethnicity, aged 45-55, living in Hilo, Hawaii, and not using exogenous hormones. The first was a postal questionnaire (N=325), the second was carried out during a clinical study of hot flashes (N=134). Women in the second group underwent 24-hour ambulatory and 3-hour laboratory monitoring for objective HFs measured through skin conductance at sternal and nuchal sites. Subjective HFs were recorded on the monitor, or in a diary. Results JAs were significantly less likely to report having had HFs in the previous two weeks compared with EAs (postal sample: JAs: 30.9%, EAs: 43.9%, χ2=6.9, p < .01; monitored sample: JAs: 26.1%, EAs: 46.6%, χ2=5.3, p < 0.05). JAs were also significantly less likely to report experiencing other symptoms (15 out of 30 in the postal sample; 6 of 30 in the monitored sample) than EAs. However, JAs did not significantly differ in likelihood of reporting subjective HFs during the 24-hour ambulatory period (JAs: 51.1%, EAs: 55.8%, χ2=0.3, ns), nor in percentage of individuals displaying one or more objective HFs as measured by the skin conductance monitor (JAs: 77.8%, EAs: 72.1%, χ2=0.5, ns). JAs also did not have a significantly fewer number of objective HFs (t=0.2, ns) nor of subjective HFs (t = 0.8, ns) during the monitoring period, and these results were unchanged when analyses controlled for menopausal status and BMI. Conclusions The common finding of fewer reported HFs in people of Japanese ancestry may be a consequence of reporting bias: JAs report fewer symptoms of many conditions compared to people from other ethnic groups. This is likely due to cultural conceptions of what is appropriate to report. PMID:19367185

Moclobemide in the treatment of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Tarim, Ebru; Bagis, Tayfun; Kilicdag, Esra; Erkanli, Serkan; Aslan, Erdogan; Kuscu, Esra

2002-01-01

This randomized, prospective, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide, a reversible, selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A, in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Thirty postmenopausal women were enrolled, and 28 were allocated to 5 weeks of treatment with moclobemide 150 mg (group 1, n = 10), moclobemide 300 mg (group 2, n = 11), or placebo (group 3, n = 9). Data on hot flashes were recorded in a daily diary. Mean reductions in the hot flash severity score were 24.4% in the placebo group, 69.8% in group 1, and 35.0% in group 2. This large difference suggests that the beneficial effects were not due to a placebo effect. Moclobemide may be a new nonhormonal option for reducing the incidence, severity, and duration of hot flashes in postmenopausal women who do not wish to take estrogen or have contraindications to its use.

Hypnotherapy to Reduce Hot Flashes: Examination of Response Expectancies as a Mediator of Outcomes

PubMed Central

Sliwinski, Jim R.; Elkins, Gary R.

2017-01-01

The mechanism of action responsible for hypnotherapy’s effect in reducing hot flashes is not yet known. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of response expectancies as a potential mediator. Hypnotizability was also tested as an effect moderator. Data were collected from a sample of 172 postmenopausal women, who had been randomized to receive either a 5-week hypnosis intervention or structured attention counseling. Measures of response expectancies were analyzed to determine if the relationship between group assignment and hot flashes frequency was mediated by expectancies for treatment efficacy. A series of simple mediation and conditional process analyses did not support mediation of the relationship between treatment condition and hot flash frequency through response expectancy. The effect of hypnotherapy in reducing hot flashes does not appear to be due to placebo effects as determined by response expectancies. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. PMID:28528570

Fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes after definitive radiochemotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: An analysis from the EMBRACE study.

PubMed

Smet, Stéphanie; Pötter, Richard; Haie-Meder, Christine; Lindegaard, Jacob C; Schulz-Juergenliemk, Ina; Mahantshetty, Umesh; Segedin, Barbara; Bruheim, Kjersti; Hoskin, Peter; Rai, Bhavana; Huang, Fleur; Cooper, Rachel; van Limbergen, Erik; Tanderup, Kari; Kirchheiner, Kathrin

2018-04-04

To evaluate the pattern of manifestation of fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes within the prospective, observational, multi-center EMBRACE study. Morbidity was prospectively assessed according to CTCAE v.3 and patient-reported outcome with EORTC QLQ-C30/CX24 at baseline and regular follow-up. Analyses of crude incidence, prevalence rates and actuarial estimates were performed. A total of 1176 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 27 months. At baseline, CTCAE G1/G2 prevalence rates for fatigue were 29%/6.2%, for insomnia 18%/3.1% and for hot flashes 7.9%/1.6% with respective 3-year prevalence rates of 29%/6.8%, 17%/4.4% and 19%/5.9%. Similar patterns of manifestation were seen in patient-reported EORTC outcomes. The 3-year actuarial estimates for G ≥ 3 CTCAE fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes were 5.5%, 4.7% and 1.9%. Younger age was associated with significantly higher risk for fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes. Fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes occurred mainly in the mild to moderate range. Fatigue and insomnia were already present before treatment and showed minor fluctuations or recovery during follow-up, whereas hot flashes showed a considerable increase after treatment. More research is needed to evaluate contributing risk factors in order to define intervention strategies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2. SECTIONAL BOILER '#4 IDEAL RED FLASH.' Hot Springs ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. SECTIONAL BOILER '#4 IDEAL RED FLASH.' - Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row, Ozark Bathhouse: Mechanical & Piping Systems, State Highway 7, 1 mile north of U.S. Highway 70, Hot Springs, Garland County, AR

Sleep Characteristics and Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Midlife Women.

PubMed

Thurston, Rebecca C; Chang, Yuefang; von Känel, Roland; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Jennings, J Richard; Hall, Martica H; Santoro, Nanette; Buysse, Daniel J; Matthews, Karen A

2017-02-01

Midlife, which encompasses the menopause transition in women, can be a time of disrupted sleep and accelerated atherosclerosis accumulation. Short or poor sleep quality has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; few studies have investigated relations among midlife women. We tested whether shorter actigraphy sleep time or poorer subjective sleep quality was associated with carotid atherosclerosis among midlife women. Two hundred fifty-six peri- and postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years completed 3 days of wrist actigraphy, hot flash monitoring, questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Berlin), a blood draw, and carotid ultrasound [intima media thickness (IMT), plaque]. Associations of objective (actigraphy) and subjective (PSQI) sleep with IMT/plaque were tested in regression models (covariates: age, race, education, body mass index, blood pressure, lipids, insulin resistance, medications, snoring, depressive symptoms, sleep hot flashes, and estradiol). Shorter objective sleep time was associated with higher odds of carotid plaque (for each hour shorter sleep, plaque score ≥ 2, odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval, CI] = 1.58 [1.11-2.27], p = .01; plaque score = 1, OR [95% CI] = 0.95 [0.68-1.32], p = .75, vs. no plaque, multivariable). Poorer subjective sleep quality was associated with higher mean IMT [β, b (standard error, SE) = 0.004 (0.002), p = .03], maximal IMT [b (SE) = 0.009 (0.003), p = .005], and plaque [plaque score ≥ 2, OR (95% CI) = 1.23 (1.09-1.40), p = .001; score = 1, OR (95% CI) = 1.06 (0.93-1.21), p = .37, vs. no plaque] in multivariable models. Findings persisted additionally adjusting for sleep hot flashes and estradiol. Shorter actigraphy-assessed sleep time and poorer subjective sleep quality were associated with increased carotid atherosclerosis among midlife women. Associations persisted adjusting for CVD risk factors, hot flashes, and estradiol. © Sleep Research Society 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Carlos, Luís; da Cruz, Lóris Aparecida Prado; Leopoldo, Vanessa Cristina; de Campos, Fabrício Ribeiro; de Almeida, Ana Maria; Silveira, Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. Method: systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. Results: a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. Conclusions: the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture. PMID:27533271

The effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Jenabi, Ensiyeh; Shobeiri, Fatemeh; Hazavehei, Seyyed Mohammad Mahdi; Roshanaei, Ghodratollah

2018-03-01

Valerian is one of the most widely used herbal supplements and a phytoestrogenic herb. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Valerian on the severity and frequency of hot flashes. This triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted during a three-month period in Hamadan, Iran, in 60 postmenopausal women aged 45-55 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups- either placebo or Valerian. An oral Valerian 530 mg capsule was given twice per day for two months. An oral placebo 530 mg capsule (starch) was similarly administered. The severity and frequency of hot flashes were determined by the Kupperman index, before the intervention, one month after, and two months after initiation of the intervention. The severity of hot flashes in the Valerian group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group at one (p = .048) and two months (p = .020) after initiation of the intervention. Compared with the placebo group, the mean frequency of hot flashes was significantly reduced two months after initiating the use of Valerian (p = .033). Health-care providers should consider Valerian to be effective for menopausal women with hot flashes.

Efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post-menopausal hot flashes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Kashani, Ladan; Esalatmanesh, Sophia; Eftekhari, Farzaneh; Salimi, Samrand; Foroughifar, Tahereh; Etesam, Farnaz; Safiaghdam, Hamideh; Moazen-Zadeh, Ehsan; Akhondzadeh, Shahin

2018-03-01

Due to concerns regarding the side effects of hormone therapy, many studies have focused on the development of non-hormonal agents for treatment of hot flashes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post-menopausal hot flashes. Sixty women with post-menopausal hot flashes participated in this study. The patients randomly received either saffron (30 mg/day, 15 mg twice per day) or placebo for 6 weeks. The patients were assessed using the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the adverse event checklist at baseline and also at the second, fourth, and sixth weeks of the study. Fifty-six patients completed the trial. Baseline characteristics of the participants did not differ significantly between the two groups. General linear model repeated measures demonstrated significant effect for time × treatment interaction on the HFRDIS score [F (3, 162) = 10.41, p = 0.0001] and HDRS score [F (3, 162) = 5.48, p = 0.001]. Frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups. Results from this study revealed that saffron is a safe and effective treatment in improving hot flashes and depressive symptoms in post-menopausal healthy women. On the other hand, saffron, with fewer side effects, may provide a non-hormonal and alternative herbal medicine option in treatment of women with hot flashes.

Association between polycystic ovary syndrome and hot flash presentation during the midlife period.

PubMed

Yin, Ophelia; Zacur, Howard A; Flaws, Jodi A; Christianson, Mindy S

2018-06-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women; however, the impact of PCOS on menopausal symptoms remains poorly understood. This study aims to determine the influence of PCOS on hot flash presentation in midlife women. Participants were recruited from the Midlife Women's Health Study involving 780 women aged 45 to 54 years. All women completed detailed questionnaires on hot flash symptoms. Between June 2014 and March 2015, participants were screened for history of PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria. Fisher's exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with hot flashes at midlife. In all, 453 women (69%) consented to the telephone interview and 9.3% (n = 42) met diagnostic criteria for PCOS; 411 were included as controls. Mean age was 48.0 and body mass index was 27.3 for women with PCOS. The majority of participants were white (72%). There was no difference between PCOS and control women for levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, or estradiol. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that PCOS was not associated with increased odds of hot flash incidence. Smoking was the only variable associated with experiencing hot flashes (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.05-3.98). A history of PCOS was not associated with increased hot flash symptoms during the midlife period. Additional research should continue to investigate the health and quality of life associated with a history of PCOS in the aging population.

Hot flashes severity, complementary and alternative medicine use, and self-rated health in women with breast cancer.

PubMed

Chandwani, Kavita D; Heckler, Charles E; Mohile, Supriya G; Mustian, Karen M; Janelsins, Michelle; Peppone, Luke J; Bushunow, Peter; Flynn, Patrick J; Morrow, Gary R

2014-01-01

Hot flashes (HF) are a common distressing symptom in women with breast cancer (BC). Current pharmacologic options are moderately effective and are associated with bothersome side effects. Complementary and alternative medicine is commonly used by cancer patients. However, information on the association of hot flashes severity with such use and self-rated health is lacking. To examine the hot flashes severity in women with breast cancer and its association with complementary and alternative medicine use and self-rated health (SRH). Longitudinal multicenter study to assess information needs of cancer outpatients. Patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer who were scheduled to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Hot flashes severity (0 = not present and 10 = as bad as you can imagine), use of complementary and alternative medicine (yes/no), and self-rating of health (SRH) status post-treatment and six-months thereafter (1-5, higher score = better SRH). The majority of women with HF (mean age = 54.4 years) were Caucasian and married, with higher education, and 93% had received surgical treatment for BC. At the end of treatment, 79% women reported experiencing HF [mean severity = 5.87, standard deviation (SD) = 2.9]; significantly more severe HF were reported by younger women with poor SRH, poor performance status, and those reporting doing spiritual practices. At follow-up, 73% had HF (mean severity = 4.86, SD = 3.0), and more severe HF were reported by younger women with poor self-rated health who had undergone chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, used vitamins, and did not exercise. A high percentage of women experienced hot flashes at the end of treatment and at six-month follow-up. A significant association of hot flashes severity with spiritual practice, increased vitamin use, and reduced exercise emphasize the need for future studies to confirm the results. This can facilitate safe use of complementary and alternative medicine and favorable outcomes while managing cancer-related hot flashes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Role of Serotonin in Hot Flashes after Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

physiological mechanisms involved in hot flashes c.fter breast cancer will enable us to develop more targeted behavioral and/or pharmacological therapi ...s to be used in lieu of, or in addition to, currently available therapies so that we can eradicate hot flashes and improve the quality of life for...flavorings were most palatable - chocolate mint and orange. We rejected a lemon flavoring as being unpalatable. We eliminated the mid-day snack per

Hypnosis for Hot Flashes and Associated Symptomsin Women with Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Roberts, R Lynae; Na, Hyeji; Yek, Ming Hwei; Elkins, Gary

2017-10-01

Women with breast cancer experience a host of physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, treatment for women with breast cancer should target these symptoms and be individualized to patients' specific presentations. The current article reviews the common symptoms associated with breast cancer in women, then examines clinical hypnosis as a treatment for addressing these symptoms and improving the quality of life of women with breast cancer. Clinical hypnosis is an effective, nonpharmaceutical treatment for hot flashes and addressing many symptoms typically experienced by breast cancer patients. A case example is provided to illustrate the use of clinical hypnosis for the treatment of hot flashes with a patient with breast cancer.

Reduction in menopause-related symptoms associated with use of a noninvasive neurotechnology for autocalibration of neural oscillations.

PubMed

Tegeler, Charles H; Tegeler, Catherine L; Cook, Jared F; Lee, Sung W; Pajewski, Nicholas M

2015-06-01

Increased amplitudes in high-frequency brain electrical activity are reported with menopausal hot flashes. We report outcomes associated with the use of High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring--a noninvasive neurotechnology for autocalibration of neural oscillations--by women with perimenopausal and postmenopausal hot flashes. Twelve women with hot flashes (median age, 56 y; range, 46-69 y) underwent a median of 13 (range, 8-23) intervention sessions for a median of 9.5 days (range, 4-32). This intervention uses algorithmic analysis of brain electrical activity and near real-time translation of brain frequencies into variable tones for acoustic stimulation. Hot flash frequency and severity were recorded by daily diary. Primary outcomes included hot flash severity score, sleep, and depressive symptoms. High-frequency amplitudes (23-36 Hz) from bilateral temporal scalp recordings were measured at baseline and during serial sessions. Self-reported symptom inventories for sleep and depressive symptoms were collected. The median change in hot flash severity score was -0.97 (range, -3.00 to 1.00; P = 0.015). Sleep and depression scores decreased by -8.5 points (range, -20 to -1; P = 0.022) and -5.5 points (range, -32 to 8; P = 0.015), respectively. The median sum of amplitudes for the right and left temporal high-frequency brain electrical activity was 8.44 μV (range, 6.27-16.66) at baseline and decreased by a median of -2.96 μV (range, -11.05 to -0.65; P = 0.0005) by the final session. Hot flash frequency and severity, symptoms of insomnia and depression, and temporal high-frequency brain electrical activity decrease after High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring. Larger controlled trials with longer follow-up are warranted.

Is anxiety associated with hot flashes in women with breast cancer?

PubMed

Guimond, Anne-Josée; Massicotte, Elsa; Savard, Marie-Hélène; Charron-Drolet, Jade; Ruel, Sophie; Ivers, Hans; Savard, Josée

2015-08-01

Women with breast cancer are at higher risk for experiencing hot flashes (HFs), which is attributable, in large part, to systemic cancer treatments and their effects on estrogen levels. However, other factors, such as anxiety, could also play a role. This study aimed to assess the cross-sectional and temporal relationships between anxiety and HFs among women treated for breast cancer and to clarify the direction of these relationships. Fifty-six women recently treated for breast cancer were assessed prospectively using a 14-day Hot Flashes and Anxiety Diary (HFAD). Anxiety and HFs were also assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety subscale and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-vasomotor subscale. In addition, HFs were objectively recorded for a continuous 24-hour period using home-based sternal skin conductance. No cross-sectional relationship was found between anxiety and subjectively assessed HFs, or between anxiety and the frequency and intensity of objectively assessed HFs. However, a greater anxiety level on the HFAD was significantly associated with a shorter time to reach the HF peak, as assessed with sternal skin conductance (partial Spearman correlation coefficient rsp = -0.44). Moreover, greater anxiety predicted more severe self-reported HFs on the following night, both assessed with the HFAD (rsp = 0.13). Conversely, self-reported diurnal and nocturnal HFs on the HFAD did not predict next-day anxiety level. This study reveals a significant relationship between anxiety and faster-developing objectively measured HFs. Furthermore, anxiety has been found to significantly predict subsequent increases in self-reported HFs, suggesting that strategies that target anxiety could potentially have a beneficial effect on HFs in women with breast cancer.

The efficacy of nonestrogenic therapy to hot flashes in cancer patients under hormone manipulation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, N; Okajima, Y; Fujii, T; Natori, A; Kobayashi, D

2013-10-01

The incidence of hot flashes under hormone manipulation therapy is so high that this symptom caused by sex hormone blocking agents has been bothering patients and has a negative impact on their quality of life. Venlafaxine and gabapentin are most promising novel nonestrogenic agents to control the symptom. We seek to quatitatively summarize the efficacy of these novel agents. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of venlafaxine/gabapentin to hot flashes in cancer patient under hormone deprivation therapies. A search for Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ichushi, and Google Scholar yielded 733 citations, which were independently assessed by two authors. We estimated overall effect sizes and its 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the efficacy of these agents compared with the controls with standardized mean difference. A total of 5 studies involving 588 cancer patients with hot flashes finally fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. Overall effect size of the efficacy of venlafaxine/gabapentin was -0.630 (95 % CI [-0.801, -0.459]). Venlafaxine/gabapentin significantly improved hot flashes in cancer patients under hormone manipulation therapies.

Flash Mixing on the White-Dwarf Cooling Curve: Understanding Hot Horizontal Branch Anomalies in NGC 2808

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Thomas M.; Sweigart, Allen V.; Lanz, Thierry; Landsman, Wayne B.; Hubeny, Ivan; Fisher, Richard R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We present an ultraviolet color-magnitude diagram (CMD) spanning the hot horizontal branch (HB), blue straggler, and white dwarf populations of the globular cluster NGC 2808. These data, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), demonstrate that NGC 2808 harbors a significant population of hot subluminous HB stars, an anomaly only previously reported for the globular cluster omega Cen. Our theoretical modeling indicates that the location of these subluminous stars in the CMD, as well as the high temperature gap along the HB of NGC 2808, can be explained if these stars underwent a late helium-core flash while descending the white dwarf cooling curve. We show that the convective zone produced by such a late helium flash will penetrate into the hydrogen envelope, thereby mixing hydrogen into the hot helium-burning interior, where it is rapidly consumed. This phenomenon is analogous to the "born again" scenario for producing hydrogen-deficient stars following a late helium-shell flash. The flash mixing of the envelope greatly enhances the envelope helium and carbon abundances that, in turn, leads to a discontinuous increase in the HB effective temperatures. We argue that the hot HB gap is associated with this theoretically predicted dichotomy in the HB properties. Moreover, the changes in the emergent spectral energy distribution caused by these abundance changes are primarily responsible for explaining the hot subluminous HB stars. Although further evidence is needed to confirm that a late helium-core flash can account for the subluminous HB stars and the hot HB gap, we demonstrate that an understanding of these stars requires the use of appropriate theoretical models for their evolution, atmospheres, and spectra.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

Cancer.gov

Hot flashes and night sweats can be cancer or treatment related and occur commonly in both women and men. Get information on hormonal and nonhormonal agents, cognitive and behavioral methods, and integrative medicine treatment options in this clinician summary.

Models for Total-Dose Radiation Effects in Non-Volatile Memory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Campbell, Philip Montgomery; Wix, Steven D.

The objective of this work is to develop models to predict radiation effects in non- volatile memory: flash memory and ferroelectric RAM. In flash memory experiments have found that the internal high-voltage generators (charge pumps) are the most sensitive to radiation damage. Models are presented for radiation effects in charge pumps that demonstrate the experimental results. Floating gate models are developed for the memory cell in two types of flash memory devices by Intel and Samsung. These models utilize Fowler-Nordheim tunneling and hot electron injection to charge and erase the floating gate. Erase times are calculated from the models andmore » compared with experimental results for different radiation doses. FRAM is less sensitive to radiation than flash memory, but measurements show that above 100 Krad FRAM suffers from a large increase in leakage current. A model for this effect is developed which compares closely with the measurements.« less

Association between personality traits and DSM-IV diagnosis of insomnia in perimenopausal women

PubMed Central

Sassoon, Stephanie A.; de Zambotti, Massimiliano; Colrain, Ian M.; Baker, Fiona C.

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the role of personality factors in the development of DSM-IV insomnia coincident with perimenopause. Method Perimenopausal women (35 with DSM-IV insomnia and 28 with self-reported normal sleep) underwent clinical assessments and completed menopause-related questionnaires, the NEO-FFI, and the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SID-P). Logistic regressions determined whether personality factors and hot flash-related interference were associated with an insomnia diagnosis concurrent with the menopause transition. Results Women with insomnia reported higher neuroticism, lower agreeableness, and lower conscientiousness than controls on the NEO-FFI. Moreover, women with insomnia were more likely to meet DSM-IV criteria for Cluster C personality disorders, particularly obsessive compulsive personality disorder, on the SID-P. Women with insomnia were more likely to have had a past depressive episode and history of severe premenstrual symptoms. Findings from regressions revealed that higher neuroticism and greater interference from hot flashes were associated with insomnia classification even after controlling for history of depression, suggesting that sensitivity to hot flashes and a greater degree of neuroticism are independent contributors toward establishing which women are most likely to have sleep problems during perimenopause. Conclusions Findings show the relevance of personality factors, particularly neuroticism and obsessive-compulsive personality, in influencing a woman’s experience of insomnia as she goes through the menopause transition. PMID:24448105

Cancer treatment -- early menopause

MedlinePlus

... symptoms as natural menopause. Vaginal dryness or tightness Hot flashes Mood changes Lower sex drive Problems sleeping In some cases, these symptoms ... prescribe another type of medicine to help with hot flashes, such as certain ... products can help make sex more comfortable if you have vaginal dryness. Look ...

Omega-3 versus isoflavones in the control of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Palacios, S; Lilue, M; Mejia, A; Menendez, C

2017-12-01

Determine the efficacy and tolerability of omega-3 fatty acids versus soybean isoflavones in reducing the vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) frequency in postmenopausal women. A randomized, prospective, two-arm study was performed in healthy postmenopausal women aged 45-65. The two arms were: two capsules/day of omega-3 (425 mg of omega-3/capsule) administered orally (n = 38) and two tablets/day of soybean isoflavones (54.4 mg of isoflavones/tablet) (n = 30), over 16 weeks. The mean baseline frequency of moderate and severe VMSs per week in the omega-3 group was 24.56 and 23.90, respectively, and 19.65 and 19.51 in the isoflavone group. After 4 months, the reduction in moderate and severe hot flashes with omega-3 was significant (p < .001), whereas in the case of isoflavones, there was a significant difference in severe (p = .02) hot flashes after 4 months, but not in moderate hot flashes (p = .077). Omega-3 did not demonstrate significant efficacy differences versus isoflavones over time. The use of omega-3 has a beneficial effect on hot flash reduction after 4 months of treatment. This is comparable to the benefits found with soybean isoflavones after 3-4 weeks and after 4 months in severe hot flash women, but higher than those found with soybean isoflavones in moderate symptom women.

Description of an Audio-Based Paced Respiration Intervention for Vasomotor Symptoms

PubMed Central

Burns, Debra S.; Drews, Michael R.; Carpenter, Janet S.

2013-01-01

Millions of women experience menopause-related hot flashes or flushes that may have a negative effect on their quality of life. Hormone therapy is an effective treatment, however, it may be contraindicated or unacceptable for some women based on previous health complications or an undesirable risk–benefit ratio. Side effects and the unacceptability of hormone therapy have created a need for behavioral interventions to reduce hot flashes. A variety of complex, multimodal behavioral, relaxation-based interventions have been studied with women (n = 88) and showed generally favorable results. However, currently extensive resource commitments reduce the translation of these interventions into standard care. Slow, deep breathing is a common component in most interventions and may be the active ingredient leading to reduced hot flashes. This article describes the content of an audio-based program designed to teach paced breathing to reduce hot flashes. Intervention content was based on skills training theory and music entrainment. The audio intervention provides an efficient way to deliver a breathing intervention that may be beneficial to other clinical populations. PMID:23914283

Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Chiu, Hsiao-Yean; Pan, Chieh-Hsin; Shyu, Yuh-Kae; Han, Bor-Cheng; Tsai, Pei-Shan

2015-02-01

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life in women in natural menopause. We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL using keywords such as acupuncture, hot flash, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life. Heterogeneity, moderator analysis, publication bias, and risk of bias associated with the included studies were examined. Of 104 relevant studies, 12 studies with 869 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. We found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency (g = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.21) and severity (g = -0.44; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.23) of hot flashes. Acupuncture significantly decreased the psychological, somatic, and urogenital subscale scores on the Menopause Rating Scale (g = -1.56, g = -1.39, and g = -0.82, respectively; P < 0.05). Acupuncture improved the vasomotor subscale score on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (g= -0.46; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.02). Long-term effects (up to 3 mo) on hot flash frequency and severity (g = -0.53 and g = -0.55, respectively) were found. This meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.

Effects of flaxseed and Hypericum perforatum on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ghazanfarpour, Masumeh; Sadeghi, Ramin; Latifnejad Roudsari, Robab; Khadivzadeh, Talat; Khorsand, Imaneh; Afiat, Maliheh; Esmaeilizadeh, Mahdi

2016-01-01

In this study, we aimed at evaluation of the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and flaxseed on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (RCT) to explore trials that assessed the effectiveness of H. perforatum and flaxseed on hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers. In this regard, the following terms were used "menopause AND H. perforatum OR flaxseed OR Linum usitatissimum. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the study. Nine RCTs were included in this systematic review. Based on the literature, flaxseed showed beneficial effect on hot flash frequency and intensity, which was not statistically significant. According to two trials, flaxseed showed estrogenic effects; however, no conclusion regarding cancer promoting or protecting effects can be made. The evidence of the efficacy of the flaxseed on alleviating vaginal atrophy was also limited due to inconsistent findings in this regard. One trial declared that Vitex agnus-castus and H. perforatum showed comparable decrease in the frequency of hot flashes. The results of our systematic review suggest beneficial effect on vasomotor symptom with both of flaxseed and H. perforatum. Consistent conclusion regarding estrogen-dependent cancers and maturation value is limited due to small number of trials related to flaxseed. Further trials are still needed to confirm the results of our systematic review.

A New Formation Mechanism for the Hottest Horizontal-Branch Stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweigart, Allen V.; Oegerle, William R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Hot subluminous stars lying up to 0.7 mag below the extreme horizontal branch (EHB) are found in the ultraviolet color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of both omega Cen and NGC 2808. In order to investigate the origin of these subluminous stars, we have constructed a detailed set of evolutionary sequences that follow the evolution of low-mass stars continuously from the zero-age main sequence through the helium-core flash to the HB for a wide range in the mass loss along the red-giant branch (RGB). Stars with the largest mass loss evolve off the RGB to high effective temperatures before igniting helium in their cores. Our results indicate that the subluminous EHB stars, as well as the high temperature gap along the EHB of NGC 2808, can be explained if these stars undergo a late helium-core flash while descending the white-dwarf cooling curve. Under these conditions the convection zone produced by the main helium flash will penetrate into the stellar envelope, thereby mixing most, if not all, of the envelope hydrogen into the hot helium-burning interior, where it is rapidly consumed. This phenomenon is analogous to the 'born-again' scenario for producing hydrogen-deficient stars following a very late helium-shell flash. This 'flash mixing' of the envelope during a late helium-core flash greatly enhances the envelope helium and carbon abundances and, as a result, leads to a discontinuous increase in the HB effective temperature. We argue that the hot HB gap observed in NGC 2808 is associated with this theoretically predicted dichotomy in the RB properties. Using new helium- and carbon-rich stellar atmospheres, we show that the changes in the envelope abundances due to flash mixing will suppress the ultraviolet flux in the spectra of hot EHB stars. We suggest that such changes in the emergent spectral energy distribution are primarily responsible for explaining the hot subluminous EHB stars in omega Cen and NGC 2808. Moreover, we demonstrate that models without flash mixing lie, at most, only approximately 0.1 mag below the EHB, and hence fail to explain the observations.

Is Homeopathy Effective for Hot Flashes and Other Estrogen-Withdrawal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors? A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

homeopathy may be effective in improving hot flashes and quality of life in breast cancer survivors with symptoms of estrogen withdrawal. Methods- A...scores improved significantly in both homeopathy groups compared to placebo. Results of this study suggest that a larger study should be done.

Is Homeopathy Effective for Hot Flashes and Other Estrogen-Withdrawl Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors? A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-01

symptoms for more than 100 years. To carry out a pilot study to determine whether there is evidence that homeopathy is an effective treatment to improve the...one month, with at least 3 hot flashes per day. Subjects have been randomized to one of three treatment arms: classical homeopathy , a combination

The Relation between Hot Flashes and Ambulatory Blood Pressure: The Hilo Women’s Health Study

PubMed Central

Brown, Daniel E.; Sievert, Lynnette L.; Morrison, Lynn A.; Rahberg, Nichole; Reza, Angela

2011-01-01

Objectives Hot flashes (HFs) have been associated with elevated blood pressure, but studies have not examined the relationship between objectively measured HFs and blood pressure during normal daily activities. The objectives of this study are to examine ambulatory blood pressure (BP) differences between women who report HFs and those who do not, and to observe whether an objectively measured HF is associated with transient changes in BP. Methods A sample of 202 women in Hilo, Hawaii aged 45–55 years were asked to fill out a questionnaire that included demographic information and an inventory of symptoms. The women underwent simultaneous 24-hour monitoring of ambulatory BP and HFs, while keeping a diary that included mood and HF reports. Results No significant difference was present in mean BP between women who reported having a HF during the past 2 weeks and those who did not. When measurements controlled for negative mood reports and posture, there was a highly significant elevation in Z scores of systolic BP when a measured, objective HF occurred within 10 minutes preceding a BP reading, and a significant elevation of Z scores of diastolic BP when a subjectively reported HF occurred within 10 minutes after a BP reading. Conclusions These results suggest that objectively measured HFs precede transient elevations of systolic BP, but it is unclear if there is a causal relationship. These results also suggest that women experience subjective HFs within 10 minutes after a transient increase in diastolic BP. Again, the causal relationship is not understood. PMID:21183716

Hot flashes, fatigue, treatment exposures and work productivity in breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Lavigne, Jill E; Griggs, Jennifer J; Tu, Xin M; Lerner, Debra J

2008-12-01

While fatigue has been associated with work limitations the combined influence of specific diagnosis and treatment exposures based on medical records on work limitations in breast cancer survivors is currently unknown. Since symptom burden and perceived health can interfere with work, the present study investigated the relationship among these variables and work outcomes. Medical chart abstraction, demographic measures, SF 36, the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) and measures of symptom burden, including hot flushes were obtained in 83 breast cancer survivors a mean of three years post treatment. OLS and poisson regression were used to determine the relationship of these factors to work productivity and work absences. Breast cancer survivors reported a mean reduction in productivity of 3.1% below the healthy worker norm. This amounts to a loss of 2.48 hours of work over two weeks of full time employment. Stages 1 and 2 were related to work limitations. After controlling for stage, fatigue and hot flashes were each associated with work performance losses of 1.6% (p = 0.05) and 2.2% (p < 0.001), respectively. Protective factors included marriage and greater personal earned income. Fatigue and hot flashes are important factors related to work productivity in breast cancer survivors even at three years post treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR SURVIVORS: Therapy for hot flashes should be given serious consideration in breast cancer survivors who are experiencing work limitations.

Relationship between hot flashes and ambulatory blood pressure: the Hilo women's health study.

PubMed

Brown, Daniel E; Sievert, Lynnette L; Morrison, Lynn A; Rahberg, Nichole; Reza, Angela

2011-01-01

To examine ambulatory blood pressure (BP) differences between women who report hot flashes (HFs) and those who do not, and to observe whether an objectively measured HF is associated with transient changes in BP. HFs have been associated with elevated BP, but studies have not examined the relationship between objectively measured HFs and blood pressure during normal daily activities. A sample of 202 women in Hilo, Hawaii, aged 45 to 55 years, were asked to fill out a questionnaire that included demographic information and an inventory of symptoms. The women underwent simultaneous 24-hour monitoring of ambulatory BP and HFs, at the same time keeping a diary that included mood and HF reports. No significant difference was present in mean BP between women who reported having an HF during the last 2 weeks and those who did not. When measurements controlled for negative mood reports and posture, there was a highly significant elevation in Z scores of systolic BP when a measured, objective HF occurred within 10 minutes before a BP reading, and a significant elevation of Z scores of diastolic BP when a subjectively reported HF occurred within 10 minutes after a BP reading. These results suggest that objectively measured HFs precede transient elevations of systolic BP, but it is unclear if there is a causal relationship. These results also suggest that women experience subjective HFs within 10 minutes after a transient increase in diastolic BP. Again, the causal relationship is not understood.

Prevalence and predictors of night sweats, day sweats, and hot flashes in older primary care patients: an OKPRN study.

PubMed

Mold, James W; Roberts, Michelle; Aboshady, Hesham M

2004-01-01

We wanted to estimate the prevalence of night sweats, day sweats, and hot flashes in older primary care patients and identify associated factors. We undertook a cross-sectional study of patients older than 64 years recruited from the practices of 23 family physicians. Variables included sociodemographic information, health habits, chronic medical problems, symptoms, quality of life, and the degree to which patients were bothered by night sweats, daytime sweating, and hot flashes. Among the 795 patients, 10% reported being bothered by night sweats, 9% by day sweats, and 8% by hot flashes. Eighteen percent reported at least 1 of these symptoms. The 3 symptoms were strongly correlated. Factors associated with night sweats in the multivariate models were age (odds ratio [OR] 0.94/y; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-0.98), fever (OR 12.60; 95% CI, 6.58-24.14), muscle cramps (OR 2.84; 95% CI, 1.53-5.24), numbness of hands and feet (OR 3.34; 95% CI, 1.92-5.81), impaired vision (OR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.41-4.27), and hearing loss (OR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27). Day sweats were associated with fever (OR 4.10; 95% CI, 2.14-7.87), restless legs (OR 3.22; 95% CI, 1.76-5.89), lightheadedness (OR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.30-3.88), and diabetes (OR 2.19; 95% CI, 1.22-3.92). Hot flashes were associated with nonwhite race (OR 3.10; 95% CI, 1.60-5.98), fever (OR 3.98; 95% CI, 1.97-8.04), bone pain (OR 2.31; CI 95%: 1.30-4.08), impaired vision (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.19-3.79), and nervous spells (OR 1.87; 95% CI, 1.01-3.46). All 3 symptoms were associated with reduced quality of life. Many older patients are bothered by night sweats, day sweats, and hot flashes. Though these symptoms are similar and related, they have somewhat different associations with other variables. Clinical evaluation should include questions about febrile illnesses, sensory deficits, anxiety, depression, pain, muscle cramps, and restless legs syndrome.

Flash (Ultra-Rapid) Spark-Plasma Sintering of Silicon Carbide

PubMed Central

Olevsky, Eugene A.; Rolfing, Stephen M.; Maximenko, Andrey L.

2016-01-01

A new ultra-rapid process of flash spark plasma sintering is developed. The idea of flash spark plasma sintering (or flash hot pressing - FHP) stems from the conducted theoretical analysis of the role of thermal runaway phenomena for material processing by flash sintering. The major purpose of the present study is to theoretically analyze the thermal runaway nature of flash sintering and to experimentally address the challenge of uncontrollable thermal conditions by the stabilization of the flash sintering process through the application of the external pressure. The effectiveness of the developed FHP technique is demonstrated by the few seconds–long consolidation of SiC powder in an industrial spark plasma sintering device. Specially designed sacrificial dies heat the pre-compacted SiC powder specimens to a critical temperature before applying any voltage to the powder volume and allowing the electrode-punches of the SPS device setup to contact the specimens and pass electric current through them under elevated temperatures. The experimental results demonstrate that flash sintering phenomena can be realized using conventional SPS devices. The usage of hybrid heating SPS devices is pointed out as the mainstream direction for the future studies and utilization of the new flash hot pressing (ultra-rapid spark plasma sintering) technique. PMID:27624641

Flash (Ultra-Rapid) Spark-Plasma Sintering of Silicon Carbide

DOE PAGES

Olevsky, Eugene A.; Rolfing, Stephen M.; Maximenko, Andrey L.

2016-09-14

A new ultra-rapid process of flash spark plasma sintering is developed. The idea of flash spark plasma sintering (or flash hot pressing - FHP) stems from the conducted theoretical analysis of the role of thermal runaway phenomena for material processing by flash sintering. The major purpose of the present study is to theoretically analyze the thermal runaway nature of flash sintering and to experimentally address the challenge of uncontrollable thermal conditions by the stabilization of the flash sintering process through the application of the external pressure. The effectiveness of the developed FHP technique is demonstrated by the few seconds–long consolidationmore » of SiC powder in an industrial spark plasma sintering device. Specially designed sacrificial dies heat the pre-compacted SiC powder specimens to a critical temperature before applying any voltage to the powder volume and allowing the electrode-punches of the SPS device setup to contact the specimens and pass electric current through them under elevated temperatures. The experimental results demonstrate that flash sintering phenomena can be realized using conventional SPS devices. The usage of hybrid heating SPS devices is pointed out as the mainstream direction for the future studies and utilization of the new flash hot pressing (ultra-rapid spark plasma sintering) technique.« less

A Comprehensive Method To Quantify Adaptations by Male and Female Mice With Hot Flashes Induced by the Neurokinin B Receptor Agonist Senktide.

PubMed

Krull, Ashley A; Larsen, Sarah A; Clifton, Donald K; Neal-Perry, Genevieve; Steiner, Robert A

2017-10-01

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS; or hot flashes) plague millions of reproductive-aged men and women who have natural or iatrogenic loss of sex steroid production. Many affected individuals are left without treatment options because of contraindications to hormone replacement therapy and the lack of equally effective nonhormonal alternatives. Moreover, development of safer, more effective therapies has been stymied by the lack of an animal model that recapitulates the hot-flash phenomenon and enables direct testing of hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology underlying hot flashes. To address these problems, we developed a murine model for hot flashes and a comprehensive method for measuring autonomic and behavioral thermoregulation in mice. We designed and constructed an instrument called a thermocline that produces a thermal gradient along which mice behaviorally adapt to a thermal challenge to their core body temperature set point while their thermal preference over time is tracked and recorded. We tested and validated this murine model for VMS by administration of a TRPV1 agonist and a neurokinin B receptor agonist, capsaicin and senktide, respectively, to unrestrained mice and observed their autonomic and behavioral responses. Following both treatments, the mice exhibited a VMS-like response characterized by a drop in core body temperature and cold-seeking behavior on the thermocline. Senktide also caused a rise in tail skin temperature and increased Fos expression in the median preoptic area, a hypothalamic temperature control center. This dynamic model may be used to fully explore the cellular and molecular bases for VMS and to develop and test new therapeutic options. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society.

Vasomotor symptoms among Japanese-American and European-American women living in Hilo, Hawaii.

PubMed

Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Morrison, Lynn; Brown, Daniel E; Reza, Angela M

2007-01-01

The Hilo Women's Health Survey was designed and administered to gather baseline data on women's health in Hilo, HI. This randomized, cross-sectional study allowed for a focus on ethnic differences in symptom reporting. The results presented here focus on hot flash and night sweat experience among Japanese-American and European-American women. Survey packets were mailed to street addresses associated with parcel numbers pulled randomly from Hilo tax maps. Of the 6,401 survey packets delivered to households, 1,824 questionnaires were completed and returned. The results reported here are based on 869 women aged 40 to 60, of whom 249 described themselves to be 100% Japanese and 203 described themselves to be 100% European-American. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine whether the relationship between ethnicity and vasomotor symptoms persisted after controlling for other variables. European-American participants were more likely to have ever experienced a hot flash as compared with Japanese-American participants (72% vs 53%, P<0.01). During the 2 weeks before the survey, European-American participants were more likely to have experienced hot flashes (P<0.05) and night sweats (P<0.01). In logistic regression analyses, after controlling for age, body mass index, menopause status, level of education, financial comfort, smoking habits, alcohol intake, exercise, use of hormone therapy, and soy intake, European-American women were still significantly more likely to have experienced hot flashes (odds ratio=1.858) and night sweats (odds ratio=2.672). The results, based on self-reporting of menopausal symptoms, indicate that Japanese-American women report fewer hot flashes and night sweats than European-American women. Japanese-American women reported a higher intake of soy, but soy intake was not associated with fewer vasomotor symptoms.

A Novel Animal Model to Study Hot Flashes: No Effect of GnRH

PubMed Central

Albertson, Asher J.; Skinner, Donal C.

2009-01-01

Menopausal hot flushes compromise the quality of life for the majority of women. The physiological mechanisms underlying hot flushes remain poorly understood and the absence of an animal model to investigate hot flushes hinders investigations in this field. We have developed the sheep as a model to study peripheral skin temperature changes. Subjecting sheep to fever-inducing treatments with lipopolysaccharide, a significant (P<0.01) change in ear skin temperature was observed. As a strong correlation between luteinizing hormone pulses and hot flushes has previously been reported, we then determined whether intravenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), at doses sufficient to elevate CSF GnRH concentrations, could modulate ear skin temperature. No effect was observed, suggesting that GnRH per se dose not play a role in the etiology of hot flashes. PMID:19512948

The Origin of Hot Subluminous Horizontal-Branch Stars in (omega) Centauri and NGC 2808

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweigart, Allen V.; Brown, Thomas M.; Lanz, Thierry; Landsman, Wayne B.; Hubeny, Ivan

2001-01-01

Hot subluminous stars lying up to 0.7 mag below the extreme horizontal branch (EHB) are found in the ultraviolet (UV) color magnitude diagrams of both (omega) Cen and NGC 2808. In order to explore the evolutionary status of these subluminous stars, we have evolved a set of low-mass stars continuously from the main sequence through the helium-core flash to the HB (horizontal branch) for a wide range in the mass loss along the red-giant branch (RGB). Stars with the largest mass loss evolve off the RGB to high effective temperatures before igniting helium in their cores. Our results indicate that the subluminous EHB stars, as well as the gap within the EHB of NGC 2808, can be explained if these stars undergo a late helium-core flash while descending the white-dwarf cooling curve. Under these conditions the convection zone produced by the helium flash will penetrate into the stellar envelope, thereby mixing most, if not all, of the envelope hydrogen into the hot helium-burning interior, where it is rapidly consumed. This phenomenon is analogous to the 'born-again' scenario for producing hydrogen-deficient stars following a very late helium-shell flash. This 'flash mixing' of the stellar envelope greatly enhances the envelope helium and carbon abundances and, as a result, leads to a discontinuous jump in the HB effective temperature. We argue that the EHB gap in NGC 2808 is associated with this theoretically predicted dichotomy in the HB morphology. Using new helium- and carbon-rich stellar atmospheres, we show that these changes in the envelope abundances of the flash-mixed stars will suppress the UV flux by the amount needed to explain the hot subluminous EHB stars in (omega) Cen and NGC 2808. Moreover, we demonstrate that models without flash mixing lie, at most, only approximately 0.1 mag below the EHB, and hence fail to explain the observations. Flash mixing may also provide a new evolutionary channel for producing the high gravity, helium-rich sdO and sdB stars.

Energy transfer dynamics in strongly inhomogeneous hot-dense-matter systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stillman, C. R.; Nilson, P. M.; Sefkow, A. B.

Direct measurements of energy transfer across steep density and temperature gradients in a hot-dense-matter system are presented. Hot dense plasma conditions were generated by high-intensity laser irradiation of a thin-foil target containing a buried metal layer. Energy transfer to the layer was measured using picosecond time-resolved x-ray emission spectroscopy. Here, the data show two x-ray flashes in time. Fully explicit, coupled particle-in-cell and collisional-radiative atomic kinetics model predictions reproduce these observations, connecting the two x-ray flashes with staged radial energy transfer within the target.

Energy transfer dynamics in strongly inhomogeneous hot-dense-matter systems

DOE PAGES

Stillman, C. R.; Nilson, P. M.; Sefkow, A. B.; ...

2018-06-25

Direct measurements of energy transfer across steep density and temperature gradients in a hot-dense-matter system are presented. Hot dense plasma conditions were generated by high-intensity laser irradiation of a thin-foil target containing a buried metal layer. Energy transfer to the layer was measured using picosecond time-resolved x-ray emission spectroscopy. Here, the data show two x-ray flashes in time. Fully explicit, coupled particle-in-cell and collisional-radiative atomic kinetics model predictions reproduce these observations, connecting the two x-ray flashes with staged radial energy transfer within the target.

Validity, cut-points, and minimally important differences for two hot flash-related daily interference scales.

PubMed

Carpenter, Janet S; Bakoyannis, Giorgos; Otte, Julie L; Chen, Chen X; Rand, Kevin L; Woods, Nancy; Newton, Katherine; Joffe, Hadine; Manson, JoAnn E; Freeman, Ellen W; Guthrie, Katherine A

2017-08-01

To conduct psychometric analyses to condense the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS) into a shorter form termed the Hot Flash Interference (HFI) scale; evaluate cut-points for both scales; and establish minimally important differences (MIDs) for both scales. We analyzed baseline and postrandomization patient-reported data pooled across three randomized trials aimed at reducing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in 899 midlife women. Trials were conducted across five MsFLASH clinical sites between July 2009 and October 2012. We eliminated HFRDIS items based on experts' content validity ratings and confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluated cut-points and established MIDs by mapping HFRDIS and HFI to other measures. The three-item HFI (interference with sleep, mood, and concentration) demonstrated strong internal consistency (alphas of 0.830 and 0.856), showed good fit to the unidimensional "hot flash interference factor," and strong convergent validity with HFRDIS scores, diary VMS, and menopausal quality of life. For both scales, cut-points of mild (0-3.9), moderate (4-6.9), and severe (7-10) interference were associated with increasing diary VMS ratings, sleep, and anxiety. The average MID was 1.66 for the HFRDIS and 2.34 for the HFI. The HFI is a brief assessment of VMS interference and will be useful in busy clinics to standardize VMS assessment or in research studies where response burden may be an issue. The scale cut-points and MIDs should prove useful in targeting those most in need of treatment, monitoring treatment response, and interpreting existing and future research findings.

Effects of Yoga and Aerobic Exercise on Actigraphic Sleep Parameters in Menopausal Women with Hot Flashes.

PubMed

Buchanan, Diana Taibi; Landis, Carol A; Hohensee, Chancellor; Guthrie, Katherine A; Otte, Julie L; Paudel, Misti; Anderson, Garnet L; Caan, Bette; Freeman, Ellen W; Joffe, Hadine; LaCroix, Andrea Z; Newton, Katherine M; Reed, Susan D; Ensrud, Kristine E

2017-01-15

To determine effects of yoga and aerobic exercise compared with usual activity on objective assessments of sleep in midlife women. Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial in the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) network conducted among 186 late transition and postmenopausal women aged 40-62 y with hot flashes. Women were randomized to 12 w of yoga, supervised aerobic exercise, or usual activity. The mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of change in actigraph sleep measures from each intervention group were compared to the usual activity group using linear regression models. Baseline values of the primary sleep measures for the entire sample were mean total sleep time (TST) = 407.5 ± 56.7 min; mean wake after sleep onset (WASO) = 54.6 ± 21.8 min; mean CV for WASO = 37.7 ± 18.7 and mean CV for number of long awakenings > 5 min = 81.5 ± 46.9. Changes in the actigraphic sleep outcomes from baseline to weeks 11-12 were small, and none differed between groups. In an exploratory analysis, women with baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index higher than 8 had significantly reduced TST-CV following yoga compared with usual activity. This study adds to the currently scant literature on objective sleep outcomes from yoga and aerobic exercise interventions for this population. Although small effects on self-reported sleep quality were previously reported, the interventions had no statistically significant effects on actigraph measures, except for potentially improved sleep stability with yoga in women with poor self-reported sleep quality. © 2017 American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Effects of stretching on menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Kai, Yuko; Nagamatsu, Toshiya; Kitabatake, Yoshinori; Sensui, Hiroomi

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: Exercise may help alleviate menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women, but sufficient evidence does not currently exist to fully support this theory. Whereas frequent moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise may be associated with the risk of menopausal hot flashes, light-intensity exercise, such as stretching, is not likely to increase the occurrence of hot flashes. Little is, however, known about the effects of light-intensity exercise on menopausal and depressive symptoms. We examined the effects of a 3-week stretching program on the menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged, Japanese women. Methods: Forty Japanese women, aged 40 to 61 years, were recruited (mean age, 51.1 ± 7.3 y). The participants were randomly assigned to either a stretching or a control group. The stretching group (n = 20) participated in a 3-week intervention program that involved 10 minutes of daily stretching, just before bedtime. The control group (n = 20) was assigned to a waiting list. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the Simplified Menopausal Index, which measures vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results: The compliance rate was 75.8% during the 3-week intervention program. The total Simplified Menopausal Index scores, including the vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale scores significantly decreased in the stretching group compared with that in the control group. No adverse events, including increased hot flashes, were reported by the participants during the study period. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 10 minutes of stretching before bedtime decreases menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged, Japanese women. PMID:27300113

The Relationship between Hot Flashes and Testosterone Recovery after 12 Months of Androgen Suppression for Men with Localised Prostate Cancer in the ASCENDE-RT Trial.

PubMed

Dosani, M; Morris, W J; Tyldesley, S; Pickles, T

2017-10-01

This study describes the proportion of men who experienced hot flashes (flashes), and the testosterone level at onset, peak frequency and cessation of flashes after 12 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men undergoing curative-intent external beam radiation therapy (± brachytherapy boost). We also aimed to characterise testosterone recovery in this population. This was a pre-specified secondary analysis of the ASCENDE-RT clinical trial. Three hundred and ninety-eight men were randomised. All received 12 months of ADT. The presence and frequency of flashes were patient reported. Cessation of flashes was defined as the first date a patient reported resolution of this symptom. Testosterone recovery was defined as any single serum testosterone above the threshold of 5, 7.5 or 10 nmol/l. The median age and follow-up were 68 years and 6.1 years. Flashes were reported in 93% of men. Flashes began and reached peak frequency at a median time of 4.0 months from the first luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone injection when testosterone levels had fallen to castrate. The median time to cessation of flashes was 7.6 months after the cessation of ADT (last injection + 3 months), when the median testosterone had risen to 5.7 nmol/l. A resolution of flashes was reported in 99% of patients. Baseline testosterone was available in 338 patients (85%). The median baseline testosterone was 13.2 nmol/l. The median (95% confidence interval) time of testosterone recovery to thresholds of 5 nmol/l, 7.5 nmol/l and 10 nmol/l were 9 (9-10) months, 13 (10-15) months and 18 (17-19) months from the cessation of ADT. At the time of censor, 96, 94 and 91% of patients had recovered testosterone to thresholds of 5, 7.5 and 10 nmol/l. Flashes occur at castrate levels of testosterone, with cessation of hot flashes antedating full recovery of testosterone in most patients. Rates of testosterone recovery after 12 months of ADT exceed 90%, although it can be delayed. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Poor Sleep in Relation to Natural Menopause: A Population-Based 14-Year Follow-up of Mid-Life Women

PubMed Central

Freeman, Ellen W.; Sammel, Mary D.; Gross, Stephanie A.; Pien, Grace W.

2014-01-01

Objective To estimate the prevalence and predictors of moderate/severe poor sleep in relation to the final menstrual period (FMP) of mid-life women. Methods Annual assessments were conducted in a population-based cohort of 255 women. All were premenopausal at cohort enrollment and reached natural menopause during the 16-year follow-up. The outcome measure was the severity of poor sleep, as reported by the participants in annual interviews for 16 years and evaluated in relation to the FMP. Results The annual prevalence of moderate/severe poor sleep largely ranged from about 28% to 35%, with no significant differences in any year relative to the FMP for the sample overall. When sleep status was stratified at the premenopausal baseline, the premenopausal sleep status strongly predicted poor sleep around the FMP. Women with moderate/severe poor sleep when premenopausal were approximately 3 ½ times more likely to have moderate/severe poor sleep around menopause compared to those with no poor sleep at baseline in adjusted analysis (OR 3.58, 95% CI: 2.50-5.11, P<0.0001), while mild poor sleepers premenopause were approximately 1 ½ times more likely to have moderate/severe poor sleep around menopause (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 0.99-2.47, P=0.053). There was no significant association between poor sleep and time relative to the FMP among women who had no poor sleep at the premenopausal baseline. Hot flashes were significantly associated with poor sleep (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.44-2.21, P<0.0001 in adjusted analysis), but had no interaction with baseline sleep severity (interaction P=0.25), indicating that hot flashes contributed to poor sleep regardless of baseline sleep status. Conclusion The findings showed a high prevalence of moderate/severe poor sleep in mid-life women, with only a small “at risk” subgroup having a significant increase in poor sleep in relation to the FMP. Sleep status at the premenopausal baseline and concurrent hot flashes strongly and consistently predicted poor sleep in the menopause transition. Overall, poor sleep did not increase around the FMP and frequently occurred in the absence of hot flashes, indicating that sleep difficulties in the menopause transition in generally healthy women were not simply associated with ovarian decline. PMID:25549066

Effects of estradiol and venlafaxine on insomnia symptoms and sleep quality in women with hot flashes.

PubMed

Ensrud, Kristine E; Guthrie, Katherine A; Hohensee, Chancellor; Caan, Bette; Carpenter, Janet S; Freeman, Ellen W; LaCroix, Andrea Z; Landis, Carol A; Manson, JoAnn; Newton, Katherine M; Otte, Julie; Reed, Susan D; Shifren, Jan L; Sternfeld, Barbara; Woods, Nancy F; Joffe, Hadine

2015-01-01

Determine effects of low-dose estradiol and low-dose venlafaxine on self-reported sleep measures in menopausal women with hot flashes. 3-arm double-blind randomized trial. Participants assigned in a 2:2:3 ratio to 17β estradiol 0.5 mg/day (n = 97), venlafaxine XR 75 mg/day (n = 96), or placebo (n = 146) for 8 weeks. Academic research centers. 339 community-dwelling perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with ≥2 bothersome hot flashes per day. Insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) at baseline, week 4 and 8; 325 women (96%) provided ISI data and 312 women (92%) provided PSQI data at baseline and follow-up. At baseline, mean (SD) hot flash frequency was 8.1/day (5.3), mean ISI was 11.1 (6.0), and mean PSQI was 7.5 (3.4). Mean (95% CI) change from baseline in ISI at week 8 was -4.1 points (-5.3 to -3.0) with estradiol, -5.0 points (-6.1 to -3.9) with venlafaxine, and -3.0 points (-3.8 to -2.3) with placebo (P overall treatment effect vs. placebo 0.09 for estradiol and 0.007 for venlafaxine). Mean (95% CI) change from baseline in PSQI at week 8 was -2.2 points (-2.8 to -1.6) with estradiol, -2.3 points (-2.9 to -1.6) with venlafaxine, and -1.2 points (-1.7 to -0.8) with placebo (P overall treatment effect vs. placebo 0.04 for estradiol and 0.06 for venlafaxine). Among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes, both low dose oral estradiol and low-dose venlafaxine compared with placebo modestly reduced insomnia symptoms and improved subjective sleep quality. NCT01418209 at www.clinicaltrials.gov. © 2014 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial of Gabapentin 300mg versus 900mg versus Placebo for Anxiety Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Lavigne, Jill E.; Mustian, Karen; Mathews, Jennifer L; Heckler, Charles; Palesh, Oxana; Amos, Eric; Morrow, Gary R

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND Gabapentin is used for the treatment of hot flashes and neuropathic pain in breast cancer survivors, and is commonly used off-label for the treatment of anxiety. Yet, clinical trial evidence to support the use of gabapentin for anxiety symptoms is lacking. METHODS In a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial we compared 300mg gabapentin versus 900mg gabapentin versus placebo. Subjects were 420 breast cancer patients who had completed all chemotherapy cycles. Anxiety traits and current (state) anxiety were measured using the Speilberger Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Pain was measured at baseline using a 10-point scale. Analyses included analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS At 4 weeks, state anxiety change scores were significantly better for gabapentin 300mg and 900mg (p=0.005) compared to placebo. The magnitude of improvement was proportional to baseline state anxiety. At 8 weeks, the anxiolytic effects of gabapentin compared to placebo persisted (p < 0.005). We found no significant interactions. CONCLUSIONS Given its similar pharmacology, efficacy in the treatment of hot flashes, and low cost, gabapentin may provide a low cost and parsimonious alternative treatment choice for breast cancer survivors presenting in primary care practices with anxiety symptoms. Gabapentin is effective for hot flashes, and therefore may provide therapeutic benefit for both anxiety and hot flashes at a generic drug price. For patients reluctant to take a controlled substance, such as a benzodiazepine, gabapentin may offer an alternative therapy. Similarly, patients with a history of substance use may benefit from gabapentin without risk of addiction or abuse. For cancer survivors experiencing both hot flashes and anxiety, gabapentin may provide a single effective treatment for both and is an alternative therapy for anxiety for patients unwilling to take a benzodiazepine or those with a history of substance use. PMID:23053645

GALEX Grism Spectroscopy of the Globular Cluster Omega Centauri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweigart, Allen

We propose to obtain GALEX FUV-only grism spectroscopy of the hot stars in omega Centauri, the most massive globular cluster in our Galaxy. Previous UIT imagery of omega Cen showed that it contains about 2000 hot horizontal branch (HB) stars, and we estimate that GALEX spectra can be obtained for about 500 of these stars in the outer regions of the cluster, including about 50 of the hot ``blue hook'' stars discovered with UIT. The blue hook stars appear to be both hotter (35,000 K) and less luminous in the UIT color-magnitude diagram than predicted by canonical HB models and, indeed, are unexplained by standard evolutionary theory. Brown et al. (2001) have suggested that the blue hook stars are the progeny of stars which mixed their surface hydrogen into their hot He-burning interior during a delayed helium flash subsequent to leaving the red giant branch. This ``flash-mixing'' results in a hot hydrogen-deficient star with a typical surface abundance of 96% He and 4% C by mass. The GALEX spectral region includes the strong lines of C III 1426, 1578 A, C IV 1550 A, and He II 1640 A which will allow this predicted carbon and helium enrichment to be detected. These observations will therefore provide a crucial test of the Brown et al. flash-mixing hypothesis and will determine if flash mixing represents a new evolutionary channel for populating the hot HB. The GALEX spectra will also address other questions concerning the hot HB in omega Cen including (1) the metallicity distribution of HB stars with 9,000 K < Teff < 11,000 K, (2) the effect of radiative levitation on the UV spectra of stars with Teff > 11,000 K, and (3) the origin of the subluminous HB stars found in the UIT photometry with 15,000K < Teff < 30,000 K.

Alternatives to hormone therapy for hot flashes: many choices but science is lacking.

PubMed

Richardson, Marcie K

2013-09-01

A 51-year-old postmenopausal third-grade teacher requests help for her hot flashes. She finds them especially troubling as she stands in front of her class and starts sweating. Although one student offers her tissues, others make fun of her--disrupting the class. Her sleep is interrupted several times a night. She refuses to use any form of estrogen because her mother died of breast cancer at the age of 60 years. Perhaps alternative therapies can help her.

Estradiol Topical

MedlinePlus

... treat and prevent hot flushes (hot flashes; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who ... in the container. It is most harmful to men and children. Do not let anyone else touch ...

Estrogen Injection

MedlinePlus

... used to treat hot flushes (hot flashes; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) and/or vaginal ... the symptoms of certain types of prostate (a male reproductive organ) cancer. The conjugated estrogens form of ...

Management of surgically hypogonadal patients unable to take sex hormone replacement therapy.

PubMed

Nieman, Lynnette K

2003-06-01

Lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and the environment may help to prevent or ameliorate hot flashes and low bone density in men and women after surgical castration. Conventional medications, including megestrol acetate, SSRIs or clonidine, may improve hot flashes but may have limiting side effects. Some complementary and alternative approaches, including black cohosh, vitamin E, and soy products, work as well as placebo to decrease hot flashes and may be helpful, because they have low toxicity. Acupuncture and neurontin are promising but must be studied further. With regards to the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in men and women, bisphosphonates are the most potent of the currently available agents; calcitonin is less effective. PTH has a large beneficial effect but is not yet available and is less well studied. In women, continued sexual intercourse and use of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers help to minimize symptoms of vaginal atrophy but do not ameliorate urinary symptoms. Low dose local estrogen treatment is a promising approach for the latter complaints.

Estrogen Vaginal

MedlinePlus

... estradiol vaginal ring is also used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) ... leave the ring in place when you have sex. If you choose to remove it or if ...

Helium shell flashes and evolution of accreting white dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujimoto, M. Y.; Sugimoto, D.

1982-06-01

The evolution of accreting white dwarfs is investigated from the onset of accretion through the helium shell flash. Properties of the helium shell flashes are studied by means of a generalized theory of shell flash and by numerical computations, and it is found that the shell flash grows up to the strength of a supernova explosion when the mass of the helium zone is large enough on a massive white dwarf. Although accretion onto a hot white dwarf causes a weaker shell flash than those onto cool ones, a strong tendency exists for the strength to be determined mainly by the accretion rate. For fast accretion, the shell flashes are weak and triggered recurrently, while for slow accretion the helium shell flash, once triggered, develops into a detonation supernova.

Estradiol Transdermal Patch

MedlinePlus

Most brands of estradiol transdermal patches are used to treat hot flushes (hot flashes; sudden strong feelings of heat ... different medication that does not contain estrogen. Most brands of estradiol transdermal patches are also sometimes used ...

Safety and efficacy of low-dose esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone, alone or combined, for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Liu, James; Allgood, Adam; Derogatis, Leonard R; Swanson, Stephen; O'Mahony, Michael; Nedoss, Bertrand; Soper, Herbert; Zbella, Edward; Prokofieva, Svetlana Vladimirovna; Zipfel, Lisa; Guo, Chun-Yuan

2011-01-01

This study evaluated safety and efficacy of esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone administered alone or in combination for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women. The 0.30-mg esterified estrogens and 0.30-mg methyltestosterone combination was the lowest effective dose, and our results are consistent with the known safety profile of estrogen and androgen combination products. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial of gabapentin 300 versus 900 mg versus placebo for anxiety symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Lavigne, Jill E; Heckler, Charles; Mathews, Jennifer L; Palesh, Oxana; Kirshner, Jeffrey J; Lord, Raymond; Jacobs, Andrew; Amos, Eric; Morrow, Gary R; Mustian, Karen

2012-11-01

Gabapentin is used for the treatment of hot flashes and neuropathic pain in breast cancer survivors, and is commonly used off-label for the treatment of anxiety. Yet, clinical trial evidence to support the use of gabapentin for anxiety symptoms is lacking. In a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial we compared 300 mg gabapentin versus 900 mg gabapentin versus placebo. Subjects were 420 breast cancer patients who had completed all chemotherapy cycles. Anxiety traits and current (state) anxiety were measured using the Speilberger Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pain was measured at baseline using a 10-point scale. Analyses included analysis of covariance and ordinary least squares regression. At 4 weeks, state anxiety change scores were significantly better for gabapentin 300 and 900 mg (p = 0.005) compared to placebo. The magnitude of improvement was proportional to baseline state anxiety. At 8 weeks, the anxiolytic effects of gabapentin compared to placebo persisted (p < 0.005). We found no significant interactions. The lower dose (300 mg) was associated with the best treatment outcomes for all patients except those with the highest baseline anxiety. Given its similar pharmacology, efficacy in the treatment of hot flashes, and low cost, gabapentin may provide a low cost and parsimonious alternative treatment choice for breast cancer survivors presenting in primary care practices with anxiety symptoms. Gabapentin is effective for hot flashes, and, therefore, may provide therapeutic benefit for both anxiety and hot flashes at a generic drug price. For patients reluctant to take a controlled substance, such as a benzodiazepine, gabapentin may offer an alternative therapy. Similarly, patients with a history of substance use may benefit from gabapentin without risk of addiction or abuse. For cancer survivors experiencing both hot flashes and anxiety, gabapentin may provide a single effective treatment for both and is an alternative therapy for anxiety for patients unwilling to take a benzodiazepine or those with a history of substance use.

Presence of young children at home may moderate development of hot flashes during the menopausal transition.

PubMed

Lorenz, Tierney K; McGregor, Bonnie A; Vitzthum, Virginia J

2015-04-01

This work aims to determine the role of child care in hot flashes. Broad differences in vasomotor symptom experience are observed among perimenopausal women across cultures. Women in cultures where contact with young children is common report significantly fewer and less severe hot flashes than women in cultures where older women spend less time around children. Could these differences be related to the presence of young children? We surveyed 117 healthy women undergoing prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries to reduce the risk of gynecologic cancers). Participants provided demographic information, including pre-surgical operation menopause status and number of children (younger than 13 y, 13-17 y, and 18 y or older) living at home. They were surveyed for menopausal symptoms 2 weeks before surgical operation and at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgical operation. Women who were premenopausal at the time of surgical operation experienced a significant increase in vasomotor symptoms. Within this group, participants with young children at home reported significantly fewer vasomotor symptoms across time than did women who did not live with young children. Women who were already menopausal at the time of surgical operation who had young children at home reported more vasomotor symptoms before surgical operation than did those without young children; however, this effect did not remain significant across follow-ups. These findings suggest that interactions with young children may mitigate hot flashes in women undergoing surgical menopause. These findings may be used to counsel women who are considering prophylactic oophorectomy about the likelihood of menopausal symptoms.

On the Solar Stimuli That Initiate Makkah Al Mukaramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah And Jeddah Flash Floods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elfaki, H.; Yousef, S.; Mawad, Ramy; Algafari, Y. H. O.; Amer, M.; Abdel-Sattar, W.

2017-12-01

Severe solar events manifested as highly energetic X-Ray events accompanied by coronal mass ejections ( CMEs) and proton flares caused flash floods in Makkah Al-Mukaramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah and Jeddah. In the case of the 20 January 2005 CME that initiated severe flash on the 22 of January. it is shown that the CME lowered the pressure in the polar region and extended the low pressure regime to Saudi Arabia passing by the Mediterranean. Such passage accelerated evaporation and caused Cumulonimbus clouds to form and discharge flash floods over Makkah Al-Mukaramah. On the other hand, solar forcing due coronal holes have a different technique in initiating flash floods. The November 25 2009 and the 13-15 January 2011 Jeddah flash floods are attributed to prompt events due to fast solar streams emanated from two coronal holes that arrived the Earth on 24 November 2009 and 13 January 2011. We present evidences that those streams penetrated the Earth's magnetosphere and hit the troposphere at the western part of the Red Sea, dissipated their energy at 925mb geopotential height and left two hot spots. It follows that the air in the hot spots expanded and developed spots of low pressure air that spread over the Red Sea to its eastern coast. Accelerated evaporation due to reduced pressure caused quick formation of Cumulonimbus clouds that caused flash floods over Makkah Al-Mukaramah and Jeddah.

Sleep Symptoms During the Menopausal Transition and Early Postmenopause: Observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study

PubMed Central

Woods, Nancy Fugate; Mitchell, Ellen Sullivan

2010-01-01

Study Objectives: Describe the severity of getting to sleep, nighttime awakening, and early morning awakening across the menopausal transition (MT) and early postmenopause (PM) and their relationship to age, menopausal transition factors, symptoms, stress-related factors, and health related factors. Design: Cohort Setting: community Participants: 286 women from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study cohort Measurements: Participants completed annual menstrual calendars for MT staging, diaries in which they rated their symptoms, stress levels, and perceived health multiple times per year from 1990-2007 and provided first morning urine samples assayed for E1G, FSH, cortisol, and catecholamines. Multilevel modeling (R program) was used for data analysis. Results: Severity of self-reported problems going to sleep was associated with all symptoms, perceived stress, history of sexual abuse, perceived health (-), alcohol use (-) (all P < 0.001), and lower cortisol (P = 0.009), but not E1G or FSH. Severity of nighttime awakening was significantly associated with age, late MT stage. and early PM, FSH, E1G (-), hot flashes, depressed mood, anxiety, joint pain, backache, perceived stress, history of sexual abuse, perceived health (-), and alcohol use (-) (all P < 0.001, except E1G for which P = 0.030). Severity of early morning awakening was significantly associated with age, hot flashes, depressed mood anxiety, joint pain, backache, perceived stress, history of sexual abuse, perceived health (-) (all P ≤ 0.001, except E1G for which P = 0.02 and epinephrine (P = 0.038), but not MT stages or FSH. Multivariate models for each symptom included hot flashes, depressed mood, and perceived health. Conclusion: Sleep symptoms during the MT may be amenable to symptom management strategies that take into account the symptom clusters and promote women's general health rather than focusing only on the MT. Citation: Woods NF; Mitchell ES. Sleep symptoms during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: observations from the seattle midlife women's health study. SLEEP 2010;33(4):539-549. PMID:20394324

Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Plant Lignan 7-Hydroxymatairesinol and Effects on Serum Enterolactone and Clinical Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Single-Blinded, Parallel, Dose-Comparison Study

PubMed Central

Udani, Jay K.; Brown, Donald J.; Tan, Maria Olivia C.; Hardy, Mary

2013-01-01

Objective 7-Hydroxymaitairesinol (7-HMR) is a naturally occurring plant lignan found in whole grains and the Norway spruce (Piciea abies). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of a proprietary 7-HMR product (HMRlignan, Linnea SA, Locarno, Switzerland) through measurement of lignan metabolites and metabolic precursors. Methods A single-blind, parallel, pharmacokinetic and dose-comparison study was conducted on 22 post-menopausal females not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Subjects were enrolled in either a 36 mg/d (low-dose) or 72 mg/d dose (high-dose) regimen for 8 weeks. Primary measured outcomes included plasma levels of 7-HMR and enterolactone (ENL), and single-dose pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on a subset of subjects in the low-dose group. Safety data and adverse event reports were collected as well as data on hot flash frequency and severity. Results Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated 7-HMR Cmax = 757.08 ng/ml at 1 hour and ENL Cmax = 4.8 ng/ml at 24 hours. From baseline to week 8, plasma 7-HMR levels increased by 191% in the low-dose group (p < 0.01) and by 1238% in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). Plasma ENL levels consistently increased as much as 157% from baseline in the low-dose group and 137% in the high-dose group. Additionally, the mean number of weekly hot flashes decreased by 50%, from 28.0/week to 14.3/week (p < 0.05) in the high-dose group. No significant safety issues were identified in this study. Conclusion The results demonstrate that HMRlignan is quickly absorbed into the plasma and is metabolized to ENL in healthy postmenopausal women. Clinically, the data demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in hot flash frequency. Doses up to 72 mg/d HMRlignan for 8 weeks were safe and well tolerated in this population. PMID:24606716

Perceived shifts of flashed stimuli by visible and invisible object motion.

PubMed

Watanabe, Katsumi; Sato, Takashi R; Shimojo, Shinsuke

2003-01-01

Perceived positions of flashed stimuli can be altered by motion signals in the visual field-position capture (Whitney and Cavanagh, 2000 Nature Neuroscience 3 954-959). We examined whether position capture of flashed stimuli depends on the spatial relationship between moving and flashed stimuli, and whether the phenomenal permanence of a moving object behind an occluding surface (tunnel effect; Michotte 1950 Acta Psychologica 7 293-322) can produce position capture. Observers saw two objects (circles) moving vertically in opposite directions, one in each visual hemifield. Two horizontal bars were simultaneously flashed at horizontally collinear positions with the fixation point at various timings. When the movement of the object was fully visible, the flashed bar appeared shifted in the motion direction of the circle. But this position-capture effect occurred only when the bar was presented ahead of or on the moving circle. Even when the motion trajectory was covered by an opaque surface and the bar was flashed after complete occlusion of the circle, the position-capture effect was still observed, though the positional asymmetry was less clear. These results show that movements of both visible and 'hidden' objects can modulate the perception of positions of flashed stimuli and suggest that a high-level representation of 'objects in motion' plays an important role in the position-capture effect.

Nafarelin

MedlinePlus

... body odor seborrhea (skin irritation) nasal irritation headache hot flashes insomnia change in weight vaginal dryness or vaginal discharge change in sex drive oily skin muscle aches rhinitis (runny nose) ...

ANXIETY REDUCTION AMONG BREAST-CANCER SURVIVORS RECEIVING HYPNOTIC RELAXATION THERAPY FOR HOT FLASHES

PubMed Central

Johnson, Alisa J.; Marcus, Joel; Hickman, Kimberly; Barton, Debra; Elkins, Gary

2017-01-01

Anxiety is common among breast-cancer survivors. This analysis examined the effect of a hypnotic relaxation therapy, developed to reduce hot flashes, on anxiety levels of female breast-cancer survivors. Anxiety was assessed using a numeric analog scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale. Significant reductions in anxiety were found from pre- to postintervention for each weekly session and were predictive of overall reductions in anxiety from baseline to after the last intervention. In this analysis, hypnotizability did not significantly predict for anxiety reductions measured before and after each session or from baseline to exit. These data provide initial support for the use of hypnotic relaxation therapy to reduce anxiety among breast-cancer survivors. PMID:27585723

Anxiety Reduction Among Breast-Cancer Survivors Receiving Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy for Hot Flashes.

PubMed

Johnson, Alisa J; Marcus, Joel; Hickman, Kimberly; Barton, Debra; Elkins, Gary

2016-01-01

Anxiety is common among breast-cancer survivors. This analysis examined the effect of a hypnotic relaxation therapy, developed to reduce hot flashes, on anxiety levels of female breast-cancer survivors. Anxiety was assessed using a numeric analog scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale. Significant reductions in anxiety were found from pre- to postintervention for each weekly session and were predictive of overall reductions in anxiety from baseline to after the last intervention. In this analysis, hypnotizability did not significantly predict for anxiety reductions measured before and after each session or from baseline to exit. These data provide initial support for the use of hypnotic relaxation therapy to reduce anxiety among breast-cancer survivors.

Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Prevention

MedlinePlus

... early menopause. Symptoms of menopause include the following: Hot flashes . Night sweats. Trouble sleeping. Mood changes. Decreased sex drive . Heart disease. Vaginal dryness. Frequent urination. Osteoporosis ( ...

Hypogonadism

MedlinePlus

... if you notice: Breast discharge Breast enlargement (men) Hot flashes (women) Impotence Loss of body hair Loss of menstrual period Problems getting pregnant Problems with your sex drive Weakness Both men and women should call ...

Hypopituitarism

MedlinePlus

... breast feeding, irregular or no menstrual periods, and hot flashes In men: loss of hair (on the face, or in the armpits or pubic area), decreased sex drive, infertility In children, problems with growth (including ...

A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms

PubMed Central

Kargozar, Rahele; Azizi, Hoda; Salari, Roshanak

2017-01-01

Background Acute menopausal syndrome especially hot flashes, is one of the most common gynecological problems during menopause. Due to the side effects of hormone therapy, herbal and complementary medicines are always of immense interest to people in the treatment and management of the symptoms and complications of menopause. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms and effects of medicinal plants employed in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Methods This review article was carried out by examining clinical trial studies between the period of 1994 and 2016. The keywords, which include menopause, climacteric, hot flushes, flashes, herb and phytoestrogens were used to search for herbal medicines used in clinical trials for the treatment of menopausal symptoms using databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran. Results The results of the study showed that the medicinal plants, which include Sage herb (Salvia officinalis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Valerina officinalis, Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Black cumin (Nigella sativa), Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), Ginkgo biloba, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Hypericum perforatum, Panax ginseng, Pimpinella anisum, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Passiflora incarnata, Red clover (Trifolium pratense), and Glycine soja were effective in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome with different mechanisms. Conclusion Medicinal plants can play an imperative role in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome; however, further studies are required to buttress their efficacy in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome. PMID:29403626

Fibroid Tumors in Women: A Hidden Epidemic?

MedlinePlus

... that lower progesterone levels could cause fibroids to shrink. That could help relieve pain and other symptoms ... estrogen alone. In theory, such a treatment could shrink fibroids but spare women from hot flashes and ...

Types of hormone therapy

MedlinePlus

Menopause symptoms include: Hot flashes Night sweats Sleep problems Vaginal dryness Anxiety Moodiness Less interest in sex After menopause, your body stops making estrogen and progesterone. HT can treat menopause symptoms that bother you. HT does ...

Aging changes in the female reproductive system

MedlinePlus

... Other common changes include: Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness, headaches, and trouble sleeping Problems with short-term memory Decrease in breast tissue Lower sex drive (libido) and sexual response Increased risk of ...

Sleep During the Perimenopause: A SWAN Story

PubMed Central

Kravitz, Howard M.; Joffe, Hadine

2011-01-01

Synopsis Is there evidence for a perimenopausal sleep disorder? We address this question in our presentation of the SWAN “sleep story,” in which we summarize and discuss data addressing sleep quality, objective measures of sleep patterns, and sleep disorders that have been published to date by the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) and the ancillary SWAN Sleep Study. In this review article, we describe what has been learned about sleep during the perimenopause. Analyses exploring racial/ethnic diversity, a hallmark of the SWAN cohort, and the role of hot flashes and mood disturbance in sleep – perimenopause associations are described. Implications for clinical practice are considered. PMID:21961720

A hot hole-programmed and low-temperature-formed SONOS flash memory

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

In this study, a high-performance TixZrySizO flash memory is demonstrated using a sol–gel spin-coating method and formed under a low annealing temperature. The high-efficiency charge storage layer is formed by depositing a well-mixed solution of titanium tetrachloride, silicon tetrachloride, and zirconium tetrachloride, followed by 60 s of annealing at 600°C. The flash memory exhibits a noteworthy hot hole trapping characteristic and excellent electrical properties regarding memory window, program/erase speeds, and charge retention. At only 6-V operation, the program/erase speeds can be as fast as 120:5.2 μs with a 2-V shift, and the memory window can be up to 8 V. The retention times are extrapolated to 106 s with only 5% (at 85°C) and 10% (at 125°C) charge loss. The barrier height of the TixZrySizO film is demonstrated to be 1.15 eV for hole trapping, through the extraction of the Poole-Frenkel current. The excellent performance of the memory is attributed to high trapping sites of the low-temperature-annealed, high-κ sol–gel film. PMID:23899050

Understanding and Managing Menopause | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

MedlinePlus

... of life," is different for each woman. For example, hot flashes and sleep problems may trouble your ... menopause. So can some types of operations. For example, surgery to remove your uterus called a hysterectomy) ...

Menopause

MedlinePlus

... and pelvis. Practice slow, deep breathing whenever a hot flash begins. Try taking 6 breaths a minute. Try yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Other tips: Dress lightly and in layers. Keep having sex. Use water-based lubricants or a vaginal moisturizer ...

Impact Flash Physics: Modeling and Comparisons With Experimental Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rainey, E.; Stickle, A. M.; Ernst, C. M.; Schultz, P. H.; Mehta, N. L.; Brown, R. C.; Swaminathan, P. K.; Michaelis, C. H.; Erlandson, R. E.

2015-12-01

Hypervelocity impacts frequently generate an observable "flash" of light with two components: a short-duration spike due to emissions from vaporized material, and a long-duration peak due to thermal emissions from expanding hot debris. The intensity and duration of these peaks depend on the impact velocity, angle, and the target and projectile mass and composition. Thus remote sensing measurements of planetary impact flashes have the potential to constrain the properties of impacting meteors and improve our understanding of impact flux and cratering processes. Interpreting impact flash measurements requires a thorough understanding of how flash characteristics correlate with impact conditions. Because planetary-scale impacts cannot be replicated in the laboratory, numerical simulations are needed to provide this insight for the solar system. Computational hydrocodes can produce detailed simulations of the impact process, but they lack the radiation physics required to model the optical flash. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) developed a model to calculate the optical signature from the hot debris cloud produced by an impact. While the phenomenology of the optical signature is understood, the details required to accurately model it are complicated by uncertainties in material and optical properties and the simplifications required to numerically model radiation from large-scale impacts. Comparisons with laboratory impact experiments allow us to validate our approach and to draw insight regarding processes that occur at all scales in impact events, such as melt generation. We used Sandia National Lab's CTH shock physics hydrocode along with the optical signature model developed at APL to compare with a series of laboratory experiments conducted at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range. The experiments used Pyrex projectiles to impact pumice powder targets with velocities ranging from 1 to 6 km/s at angles of 30 and 90 degrees with respect to horizontal. High-speed radiometer measurements were made of the time-dependent impact flash at wavelengths of 350-1100 nm. We will present comparisons between these measurements and the output of APL's model. The results of this validation allow us to determine basic relationships between observed optical signatures and impact conditions.

CCD high-speed videography system with new concepts and techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zengrong; Zhao, Wenyi; Wu, Zhiqiang

1997-05-01

A novel CCD high speed videography system with brand-new concepts and techniques is developed by Zhejiang University recently. The system can send a series of short flash pulses to the moving object. All of the parameters, such as flash numbers, flash durations, flash intervals, flash intensities and flash colors, can be controlled according to needs by the computer. A series of moving object images frozen by flash pulses, carried information of moving object, are recorded by a CCD video camera, and result images are sent to a computer to be frozen, recognized and processed with special hardware and software. Obtained parameters can be displayed, output as remote controlling signals or written into CD. The highest videography frequency is 30,000 images per second. The shortest image freezing time is several microseconds. The system has been applied to wide fields of energy, chemistry, medicine, biological engineering, aero- dynamics, explosion, multi-phase flow, mechanics, vibration, athletic training, weapon development and national defense engineering. It can also be used in production streamline to carry out the online, real-time monitoring and controlling.

Flash Mixing of the White Dwarf Cooling Curve Spectroscopic Confirmation in NGC 2808

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Thomas M.; Lanz, Thierry; Sweigart, Allen V.; Cracraft, Misty; Hubeny, Ivan; Landsman, Wayne B.

2009-01-01

We present new HST far-UV spectroscopy of two dozen hot evolved stars in NGC 2808, a massive globular cluster with a large population of "blue-hook" stars. The blue-hook stars are found in ultraviolet color-magnitude diagrams of the most massive globular clusters, where they fall at luminosities immediately below the hot end of the horizontal branch (HB), in a region of the HR diagram unexplained by canonical stellar evolution theory. Using new theoretical evolutionary and atmospheric models, we have shown that these subluminous HB stars are very likely the progeny of stars that undergo extensive internal mixing during a late He-core flash on the white dwarf cooling curve. This flash mixing leads to hotter temperatures and an enormous enhancement of the surface He and C abundances; the hotter temperatures and associated decrease in the hydrogen opacity shortward of the Lyman limit makes the stars brighter in the extreme UV but appear sub luminous in the UV and optical. Our far-UV spectroscopy demonstrates that, relative to normal HB stars at the same color, the blue-hook stars of NGC 2808 are hotter and greatly enhanced in He and C, thus providing unambiguous evidence of flash mixing in the subluminous population. Although the C abundance in the blue-hook stars is orders of magnitude larger than that in the normal HB stars, the atmospheric C abundance in both the blue-hook and normal HB stars appears to be affected by gravitational settling. The abundance variations seen in C, Si, and the Fe-peak elements indicate that atmospheric diffusion is at play in our sample, with all of our hot subdwarfs at 25,000 K to 50,000 K exhibiting large enhancements of the iron-peak elements. The hottest subdwarfs in our blue-hook sample may be pulsators, given that they fall in the temperature range of newly-discovered pulsating subdwarfs in omega Cen.

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review.

PubMed

Carlos, Luís; Cruz, Lóris Aparecida Prado da; Leopoldo, Vanessa Cristina; Campos, Fabrício Ribeiro de; Almeida, Ana Maria de; Silveira, Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira

2016-08-15

to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture. identificar e sintetizar as evidências oriundas de ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a efetividade da acupuntura tradicional chinesa em relação à sham acupuntura para o tratamento dos fogachos em mulheres com câncer de mama no climatério. revisão sistemática guiada pelas recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL e LILACS. Adotou-se a combinação dos descritores: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. foram identificados 272 estudos, sendo 5 selecionados e analisados. Foi observada discreta superioridade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham, entretanto, sem fortes associações estatísticas. as evidências obtidas não foram suficientes para afirmar quanto à efetividade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham. Identificar y sintetizar la evidencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que examinó la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional en relación a la acupuntura sham para el tratamiento de sofocos en las mujeres menopáusicas con cáncer de mama. Revisión sistemática guiada por las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Las referencias bibliográficas se buscaron en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE vía PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL y LILACS. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. Se identificó un total de 272 estudios, cinco de los cuales fueron seleccionados y analizados. Se encontró una ligera superioridad de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham; sin embargo, no se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas fuertes. La evidencia obtenida no fue suficiente para confirmar la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham.

Assessing Homegrown Library Collections: Using Google Analytics to Track Use of Screencasts and Flash-Based Learning Objects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Betty, Paul

2009-01-01

Increasing use of screencast and Flash authoring software within libraries is resulting in "homegrown" library collections of digital learning objects and multimedia presentations. The author explores the use of Google Analytics to track usage statistics for interactive Shockwave Flash (.swf) files, the common file output for screencast and Flash…

What Are the Symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?

MedlinePlus

... NICHD Research Information Find a Study More Information Cerebral Palsy Condition Information NICHD Research Information Find a Study ... Hot flashes Night sweats Irritability Poor concentration Decreased sex drive Pain during sex Vaginal dryness 2 , 3 ...

What You Should Know about Hormone Therapy Health Risks and Benefits

MedlinePlus

... NOW A BOUT Hormone Therapy Health Risks and Benefits V aginal dryness and hot flashes that result ... it was believed that HT offered many health benefits, including prevention of heart disease and osteopo- rosis. ...

Methamphetamine (Meth)

MedlinePlus

... Users also complain of sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, hot flashes, and dizziness. Because the drug often decreases or even eliminates appetite, it has been used as a dangerous dieting strategy for people trying to lose weight quickly. "Meth mouth" is ...

Moxifloxacin Compared With Ciprofloxacin/Amoxicillin in Treating Fever and Neutropenia in Patients With Cancer

ClinicalTrials.gov

2012-09-20

Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders; Fever, Sweats, and Hot Flashes; Infection; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Neoplasm; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Neoplasms; Neutropenia; Precancerous Condition; Unspecified Adult Solid Tumor, Protocol Specific

Midlife Women’s Symptom Cluster Heuristics: Evaluation of An iPad Application for Data Collection

PubMed Central

Woods, Nancy Fugate; Ismail, Rita; Linder, Lauri A.; Macpherson, Catherine Fiona

2015-01-01

Objective To elicit midlife women’s heuristics about symptom clusters they were experiencing as identified by the Computerized Symptom Capture Tool for menopause (C-SCAT M). Methods Women aged 40–60 years experiencing symptoms they associated with menopause were recruited through flyers posted on campus and in clinics. Women completed the C-SCAT M app using an iPad by identifying and drawing the symptom clusters they experienced during the last 24 hours, indicating relationships among symptoms, prioritizing the clusters and symptoms within them, and describing their causal attributions, and exacerbating and ameliorating factors. They were asked to prioritize the clusters and a symptom within each cluster. While completing the app, women were asked to “think aloud” about their experience using the app. Data generated from the C-SCAT M application were transmitted securely to an Amazon Web Services account and saved as screen images and Excel files to preserve both the graphical images and text elicited from the application. Qualitative data were saved in verbatim phrases. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Thirty women completed the application. Most women (77%) stated that the final diagrams were very/extremely accurate in depicting their symptoms and their connections. Women reported between 1 and 22 symptoms (median 11). Hot flashes, waking up during the night, night sweats, and early morning awakening were the most commonly reported symptoms. Women rated hot flashes as their most bothersome symptom, followed by waking up during the night and fatigue. They reported over 300 different bivariate relationships between their symptoms and over 150 unique causal paths. They believed that hot flashes caused several symptoms, especially sleep disruption, and most could describe the time order of their symptoms. Women reported clusters consisting of 2 to 18 symptoms. Women also named each cluster based on their response to their symptoms (“really annoying”), the time of occurrence (“night problem”), and symptoms in the cluster (“hot flash”). They attributed their clusters to menopause, life demands, and other symptoms, among other causes. Management strategies that women used included: over the counter preparations, sleep, rest, and other lifestyle changes. Some women requested a copy of their final symptom cluster diagram to discuss with their health care providers. Conclusion Using the C-SCAT M afforded women an opportunity to depict their symptoms and clusters and relationships between them, as well as to provide narrative data about their heuristics. Women’s unsolicited comments about using the cluster diagram to facilitate conversation about their symptoms with their health care providers suggest the potential value of modifying the C-SCAT M and evaluating its use in a health care setting. PMID:25803668

Longitudinal analysis of associations between women's consultations with complementary and alternative medicine practitioners/use of self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine and menopause-related symptoms, 2007-2010.

PubMed

Peng, Wenbo; Adams, Jon; Hickman, Louise; Sibbritt, David W

2016-01-01

This study aims to determine associations between consultations with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners/use of self-prescribed CAM and menopause-related symptoms. Data were obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Generalized estimating equations were used to conduct longitudinal data analyses, which were restricted to women born in 1946-1951 who were surveyed in 2007 (survey 5; n = 10,638) and 2010 (survey 6; n = 10,011). Women with menopause-related symptoms were more likely to use self-prescribed CAM but were not more likely to consult a CAM practitioner. Overall, CAM use was lower among women who had undergone hysterectomy or women who had undergone oophorectomy, compared with naturally postmenopausal women, and decreased with increasing age of postmenopausal women. Weak associations between CAM use and hot flashes were observed. Women experiencing hot flashes were more likely to consult a massage therapist (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00-1.20) and/or use self-prescribed herbal medicines (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23) than women not experiencing hot flashes. Consultations with CAM practitioners and use of self-prescribed CAM among naturally or surgically postmenopausal women are associated with menopause-related symptoms. Our study findings should prompt healthcare providers, in particular family medicine practitioners, to be cognizant of clinical evidence for CAM typically used for the management of common menopause-related symptoms in their aim to provide safe, effective, and coordinated care for women.

The impact of education, cultural background, and lifestyle on symptoms of the menopausal transition: the Women's Health at Midlife Study.

PubMed

Lerner-Geva, Liat; Boyko, Valentina; Blumstein, Tzvia; Benyamini, Yael

2010-05-01

This study aimed to examine differences in symptom clusters among women in midlife from different cultural origins and to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics that could account for the differences between the cultural groups in symptom reporting. Israeli women aged 45-64 were randomly selected according to age and population strata of three groups: long-term Jewish residents (LTR), Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union, and Arab women (mostly Israeli-born). Interviews were conducted with 540 LTR, 151 immigrants, and 123 Arab women. The survey instrument included the occurrence and rating of how bothersome to everyday function were 16 symptoms. Three outcome variables included hot flashes and two scales for mental and somatic symptoms extracted from exploratory factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that immigrants and Arab women (compared to LTR) had a significantly lower risk of reporting hot flashes and mental and somatic symptoms. Menopausal status was related only to hot flashes. Low education and depression were associated with the three symptom scales, whereas nonhealthy lifestyle was related only to somatic symptoms. Our main finding is that cultural group is an independent predictor of each of the three menopausal symptom scales. A possible explanation for the lower reporting of symptoms among Arab and immigrant groups is that they differ from the LTR in level of acculturation and attitudes toward menopause. These findings support the proposition of a cultural factor in menopausal symptomatology that needs to be addressed by clinicians caring for women at midlife.

Deterministic filtering of breakdown flashing at telecom wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marini, Loris; Camphausen, Robin; Eggleton, Benjamin J.; Palomba, Stefano

2017-11-01

Breakdown flashes are undesired photo-emissions from the active area of single-photon avalanche photo-diodes. They arise from radiative recombinations of hot carriers generated during an avalanche and can induce crosstalk, compromise the measurement of optical quantum states, and hinder the security of quantum communications. Although the spectrum of this emission extends over hundreds of nanometers, active quenching may lead to a smaller uncertainty in the time of emission, thus enabling deterministic filtering. Our results pave the way to broadband interference mitigation in time-correlated single-photon applications.

Proceedings of the Workshop on the Chemical Suppression of Rocket Afterburning and of Gun Muzzle Flash

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

We report here the first results of this gun simulator used in the study of muzzle flash. The test setup used is shown in Figure 18. Pressure ports...experiments. For the first tests , the exploding wires mentioned above ignited the gas mixture. Later, "soft" ignition by means of a single tungsten...wire, placed axially in the chamber, was also tested . The voltage pulse applied across this hot wire is shown in Figure 19. This "soft" ignition

Wild Yam

MedlinePlus

... menstrual cramps, weak bones (osteoporosis), increasing energy and sexual drive in men and women, and breast enlargement. Wild yam does seem to have some estrogen-like activity, but it is not actually ... creams to the skin to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Cancer treatment: dealing with hot flashes and night sweats

MedlinePlus

... women with certain types of breast cancer. Opioids. Strong pain relievers given to some people with cancer. Tamoxifen. A drug used to treat breast cancer in both women and men. It is also used to prevent cancer in ...

Depression, quality of life, work productivity, resource use, and costs among women experiencing menopause and hot flashes: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Dibonaventura, Marco Dacosta; Wagner, Jan-Samuel; Alvir, Jose; Whiteley, Jennifer

2012-01-01

To examine the effect of depression on health-related quality of life, work productivity, resource use, and costs among women experiencing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. The study included data from the 2005 US National Health and Wellness Survey (N = 41,184), a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey representative of the adult US population. Among women who reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, women who reported experiencing depression in the last year (n = 1,165) were compared with women who did not report experiencing depression in the last year (n = 2,467), controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Outcome measures included health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-8]), work productivity within the past 7 days, self-reported health care resource use within the past 6 months, and indirect and direct costs. Women experiencing depression were significantly more likely to be white, to be unemployed, to be uninsured, to currently smoke, to not exercise, and to be obese (all P < .05). After controlling for these differences, women experiencing depression reported significantly lower mental (39.66 vs 50.85, P < .05) and physical (44.05 vs 46.38, P < .05) SF-8 component summary scores. Similarly, the prevalences of time missed from work (5.31% vs 2.80%, P < .05), impairment while at work (25.00% vs 14.32%, P < .05), and impairment of daily activities (37.32% vs 23.16%, P < .05) due to health were greater among women experiencing depression. The numbers of physician visits (2.47 vs 1.77, P < .05), emergency room visits (0.27 vs 0.16, P < .05), and days hospitalized (0.36 vs 0.18, P < .05) in the past 6 months were also higher among women experiencing depression. Per woman per year indirect and direct costs were $3,066 and $1,075 higher, respectively, for women experiencing depression compared with those not experiencing depression. Approximately one-third of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, also reported experiencing depression. These women reported significantly worse quality of life and significantly greater work productivity loss, health care resource use, and costs. Given the prevalence and burden, these findings suggest that proper assessment and management of depressive symptoms among women with menopause may have an important humanistic and economic benefit.

Poor sleep in relation to natural menopause: a population-based 14-year follow-up of midlife women.

PubMed

Freeman, Ellen W; Sammel, Mary D; Gross, Stephanie A; Pien, Grace W

2015-07-01

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and predictors of moderate/severe poor sleep in relation to the final menstrual period (FMP) in midlife women. Annual assessments were conducted in a population-based cohort of 255 women. All were premenopausal at cohort enrollment and reached natural menopause during the 16-year follow-up. The outcome measure was severity of poor sleep, as reported by participants in annual interviews for 16 years and as evaluated in relation to the FMP. The annual prevalence of moderate/severe poor sleep largely ranged from about 28% to 35%, with no significant differences in any year relative to the FMP for the sample overall. When sleep status was stratified at premenopausal baseline, premenopausal sleep status strongly predicted poor sleep around the FMP. Women with moderate/severe poor sleep in premenopause were approximately 3.5 times more likely to have moderate/severe poor sleep around menopause than those with no poor sleep at baseline in adjusted analysis (odds ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 2.50-5.11; P < 0.0001), whereas mild poor sleepers in premenopause were approximately 1.5 times more likely to have moderate/severe poor sleep around menopause (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.99-2.47; P = 0.053). There was no significant association between poor sleep and time relative to the FMP among women who had no poor sleep at premenopausal baseline. Hot flashes were significantly associated with poor sleep (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.44-2.21; P < 0.0001 in adjusted analysis) but had no interaction with baseline sleep severity (interaction P = 0.25), indicating that hot flashes contributed to poor sleep regardless of baseline sleep status. Findings show a high prevalence of moderate/severe poor sleep in midlife women, with only a small "at-risk" subgroup having a significant increase in poor sleep in relation to the FMP. Sleep status at premenopausal baseline and concurrent hot flashes strongly and consistently predict poor sleep in the menopausal transition. Overall, poor sleep does not increase around the FMP and frequently occurs in the absence of hot flashes, indicating that sleep difficulties in the menopausal transition in generally healthy women are not simply associated with ovarian decline.

Use of quantitative SPECT/CT reconstruction in 99mTc-sestamibi imaging of patients with renal masses.

PubMed

Jones, Krystyna M; Solnes, Lilja B; Rowe, Steven P; Gorin, Michael A; Sheikhbahaei, Sara; Fung, George; Frey, Eric C; Allaf, Mohamad E; Du, Yong; Javadi, Mehrbod S

2018-02-01

Technetium-99m ( 99m Tc)-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) has previously been shown to allow for the accurate differentiation of benign renal oncocytomas and hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumors (HOCTs) apart from other malignant renal tumor histologies, with oncocytomas/HOCTs showing high uptake and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) showing low uptake based on uptake ratios from non-quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reconstructions. However, in this study, several tumors fell close to the uptake ratio cutoff, likely due to limitations in conventional SPECT/CT reconstruction methods. We hypothesized that application of quantitative SPECT/CT (QSPECT) reconstruction methods developed by our group would provide more robust separation of hot and cold lesions, serving as an imaging framework on which quantitative biomarkers can be validated for evaluation of renal masses with 99m Tc-sestamibi. Single-photon emission computed tomography data were reconstructed using the clinical Flash 3D reconstruction and QSPECT methods. Two blinded readers then characterized each tumor as hot or cold. Semi-quantitative uptake ratios were calculated by dividing lesion activity by background renal activity for both Flash 3D and QSPECT reconstructions. The difference between median (mean) hot and cold tumor uptake ratios measured 0.655 (0.73) with the QSPECT method and 0.624 (0.67) with the conventional method, resulting in increased separation between hot and cold tumors. Sub-analysis of 7 lesions near the separation point showed a higher absolute difference (0.16) between QPSECT and Flash 3D mean uptake ratios compared to the remaining lesions. Our finding of improved separation between uptake ratios of hot and cold lesions using QSPECT reconstruction lays the foundation for additional quantitative SPECT techniques such as SPECT-UV in the setting of renal 99m Tc-sestamibi and other SPECT/CT exams. With robust quantitative image reconstruction and biomarker analysis, there may be an expanded role for SPECT/CT imaging in renal masses and other pathologic conditions.

Flash-lag effect: complicating motion extrapolation of the moving reference-stimulus paradoxically augments the effect.

PubMed

Bachmann, Talis; Murd, Carolina; Põder, Endel

2012-09-01

One fundamental property of the perceptual and cognitive systems is their capacity for prediction in the dynamic environment; the flash-lag effect has been considered as a particularly suggestive example of this capacity (Nijhawan in nature 370:256-257, 1994, Behav brain sci 31:179-239, 2008). Thus, because of involvement of the mechanisms of extrapolation and visual prediction, the moving object is perceived ahead of the simultaneously flashed static object objectively aligned with the moving one. In the present study we introduce a new method and report experimental results inconsistent with at least some versions of the prediction/extrapolation theory. We show that a stimulus moving in the opposite direction to the reference stimulus by approaching it before the flash does not diminish the flash-lag effect, but rather augments it. In addition, alternative theories (in)capable of explaining this paradoxical result are discussed.

Feeling too hot or cold after breast cancer: Is it just a nuisance or a potentially important prognostic factor?

PubMed Central

KOKOLUS, KATHLEEN M.; HONG, CHI-CHEN; REPASKY, ELIZABETH A.

2010-01-01

There is widespread recognition among both patients and caregivers that breast cancer patients often experience debilitating deficiencies in their ability to achieve thermal comfort, feeling excessively hot or cold under circumstances when others are comfortable. However, this symptom receives little clinical or scientific attention beyond identification and testing of drugs that minimise menopausal-like symptoms. Could some of these symptoms represent an important prognostic signal? Could thermal discomfort be among other cytokine-driven sickness behaviour symptoms seen in many breast cancer patients? While the literature reveals a strong link between treatment for breast cancer and some menopausal vasomotor symptoms (e.g. hot flashes also known as “hot flushes”), there is little data on quantitative assessment of severity of different types of symptoms and their possible prognostic potential. However, recent, intriguing studies indicating a correlation between the presence of hot flashes and reduced development of breast cancer recurrence strongly suggests that more study on this topic is needed. In comparison to reports on the phenomenon of breast cancer-associated hot flashes, there is essentially no scientific study on the large number of women who report feeling excessively cold after breast cancer treatment. Since similar acquired thermal discomfort symptoms can occur in patients with cancers other than breast cancer, there may be as yet unidentified cancer – or treatment-driven factor related to temperature dysregulation. In general, there is surprisingly little information on the physiological relationship between body temperature regulation, vasomotor symptoms, and cancer growth and progression. The goal of this article is twofold: (1) to review the scientific literature egarding acquired deficits inthermoregulation among breast cancer survivors and (2) to propose some speculative ideas regarding the possible basis for thermal discomfort among some of these women. Specifically, we suggest a potential association with excessive proinflammatory cytokine activity, similar to other cytokine-driven symptoms experienced after breast cancer, including fatigue and depression. We highlight the similarity of some breast cancer-associated thermal discomfort symptoms to those which occur during fever, suggesting the possibility that there may be common underlying changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine activity in both conditions. We anticipate that this contribution will stimulate additional scientific interest among researchers in identifying potential mechanisms and prognostic significance of this under-studied aspect of breast cancer biology and survivorship. PMID:20849261

Resveratrol, tryptophanum, glycine and vitamin E: a nutraceutical approach to sleep disturbance and irritability in peri- and post-menopause.

PubMed

Parazzini, F

2015-02-01

The climacteric syndrome is characterized by several symptoms: hot flashes are the most common and reported by about 70% of peri- post-menopausal women. Sleep disorders, particularly decreased sleep quality, and irritability are also commonly reported. There is a clinical and epidemiological relationship between these symptoms. Common biological mechanisms may explain in part the relationship between hot flushes, sleep disorders and irritability. For example, withdrawal of hormones causes change in the serotonin levels. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. it is the precursor for the serotonin synthesis and is naturally found in food such as turkey, cheese, and nuts. The serotonergic system is implicated in sleep, mood, and hot flashes. Glycine is an amino acid found mainly in protein-rich food such as meat, fish, dairy products, cheese and vegetables. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that glycine can promote a deeper level of sleep. Resveratrol has a similar chemical structure to the diethylstilbestrol and 17-beta estradiol and acts as a phytoestrogen. Resveratrol at doses of 3-10 micromoles inhibited the estradiol-estrogen receptor binding and showed an estrogen-like activity. Vitamin E is found naturally in some food and available as a dietary supplement. It has an antioxidant activity. It has been suggested that the oxidative stress may also play a role in sleep disorders. Some studies have shown protective effect of vitamins E on sleep quality. In conclusion, hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood disorders may represent a continuum in the climacteric syndrome, which recognize in the hormonal changes and the neurotrasmettitors level alteration a potential common pathway. The nutraceutical approach may be useful in a preventive perspective. Among the large choice of functional food available, the combination of resveratrol, tryptophanum, glycine and vitamin E may represent an interesting opportunity in the routine clinical practice.

Hot subluminous stars: On the Search for Chemical Signatures of their Genesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirsch, Heiko Andreas

2009-10-01

This thesis deals with the hot subluminous stars of spectral class O. Although the name suggests otherwise, these stars are still 10 to 1000 times more luminous than the sun, they emit most of their radiation energy in the ultraviolet range. First stars of this type have been categorized in the 1950ies. Since they are blue objects like Quasars they often are discovered in surveys at high Galactic latitudes aiming at Quasars and other extragalactic objects. The hot subluminous stars can be divided into two classes, the subluminous O and subluminous B stars, or short sdO and sdB. The sdOs and sdBs play an important role in astronomy, as many old stellar populations, e.g. globular clusters and elliptical galaxies, have strong UV fluxes. UV bright regions often are "stellar nurseries", where new stars are born. Globular clusters and elliptical galaxies, however, do not experience star formation. This UV excess can be explained by population models that include the hot subluminous stars. Many sdB stars show short-period, multiperiodic light variations, which are due to radial and nonradial pulsations. Asteroseismology can explore the inner structure of stars and estimate e.g. the stellar mass, a variable that can only determine in very lucky circumstances (eclipsing binaries). These stars are also important for cosmology because they qualify as supernova Ia progenitors. The nature of the sdO stars is less well understood than that of their cooler and more numerous siblings, the sdBs. The connection of the sdBs to the horizontal branch is established for many years now, accordingly they are old helium core burning objects after their red giant phase. More precisely, they are on the extended horizontal branch (EHB), the hot end of the horizontal branch. EHB stars are characterized by a very low envelope mass, i.e. we see more or less directly the hot helium burning core. Strong mass loss in the RGB phase is regarded as responsible for this phenomenon, the exact mechanism, however, is still under debate. While the cooler sdBs can be analyzed with relatively simple LTE model atmospheres, the hot sdOs require much more sophisticated NLTE calculations. The large effort required for sdO analyses resulted in a relatively low number of paper on the subject, when compared with the numerous publications on sdB stars. Besides a few detailed studies of individuell objects, the ≈ 50 stars analyzed by Ströer et al. (2007) is the only extensive work on sdOs. They explained the helium poor sdOs as progeny of the sdB stars. But for the helium enriched sdOs, no definite statement about their evolutionary status could be found. In order to get a large sample of sdOs, this work made use of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), one of the most extensive photometric and spectroscopic surveys in astronomy. About 14000 spectra were classified by visual inspection by means of easily recognizable spectral features. We now have a large database with classificatons of hot stars. The majority of the spectra were classified as white dwarfs, among them a number of previously unknown magnetic white dwarfs. 1500 objects were identified as hot subluminous stars, about 200 of them are sdOs. We determined effective temperatures, surface gravities and atmospheric helium abundances for these objects. Two evolutionary scenarios remain valid options for the sdOs' origin: The merging of two helium white dwarfs and the delayed helium flash of a red giant star ("late hot flasher"). In the first scenario, two low mass white dwarfs in short period orbits lose orbital energy by radiation of gravitational waves. As their orbit shrinks, the less massive one will fill its Roche lobe and get disrupted and accreted on the companion. Unfortunately no detailed calculations of the explosive nucleosynthesis exist for this scenario. The late hot flashers are stars that do not experience the helium core flash until they leave their red giant phase and already evolve towards the white dwarfs. Miller Bertolami et al. (2008) published detailed theoretical calculations for this scenario. They predict a strong enrichment with carbon and in some cases with nitrogen by mixing processes. A differentiation between both scenarios was not possible so far, as we only determined helium abundances. The creation of new NLTE model atmospheres which include carbon and nitrogen enabled us to measure their abundances in three dozen sdOs. Effective temperatures did not change much with the application of the new models, but the surface gravity was found about 0.2 dex lower than in previous analyses. This provides a solution for a handful of stars that until now were situated below the helium main sequence, which would not allow stable helium core burning. On the other hand, the whole distribution is shifted towards lower gravities while the theoretical calculations predict an accumulation of stars at higher surface gravities, near the helium main sequence. The measured carbon abundances reveal a bimodal distribution: half of the objects has carbon enriched up to 10 times the solar value, a clear indication of 3α processed material mixed from the core into the envelope, the other half shows carbon strongly depleted. With some exceptions, nitrogen is above solar abundances, up to a factor of ten. Stars with very low carbon content cannot have experienced mixing of matter from the core into the envelope, only CNO-processed matter is exposed. Three stars with high carbon abundances are found that have a very low nitrogen content. These stars are not easily understood: matter from the core must have been brought into the envelope, but not the CNO-processed matter. A surprising correlation is found for the rotational velocites with abundances: nearly all stars with high carbon abundances also have high projected rotational velocities vrot sin i = 10 . . . 30 km s-1. Because the sdB stars are very slow rotating with vrot sin i < 10 km s-1 (unless spun up by tidal iteraction in close binary systems), this disqualifies any evolutionary connection between sdBs and the carbon rich sdOs. Those stars without carbon on the other hand show no significant rotational broadening in their line profiles. Altogether eight stars can be considered as compatible with having experienced a delayed helium flash. Those stars with high nitrogen abundances but only very little atmospheric carbon are not predicted by any late hot flasher calculation. They are considered candidates for the white dwarf merging scenario, which we cannot yet verify due to missing calculations. Another remaining problem are the three stars with high carbon, but very low nitrogen abundances. One possible explanation would be a very metal poor (halo) origin for these objects, which could be verified in the future by a quantitative analysis of the heavier metals. Alternatively the examinations of the kinematic properties of the stars could provide clues concerning their membership to the halo population.

Time to Talk: 4 Things to Know about Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices

MedlinePlus

... menopausal symptoms: Mind and body practices such as hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, and tai chi may help improve ... joint pain. There is also some evidence that hypnotherapy may help women manage hot flashes. Many natural ...

Deciding about hormone therapy

MedlinePlus

... symptoms may last 5 or more years, including: Hot flashes and sweats, usually at their worst for the first 1 to 2 years after your last period Vaginal dryness Mood swings Sleep problems Less interest in sex HT can be used to treat menopause symptoms. ...

Do Japanese American women really have fewer hot flashes than European Americans? The Hilo Women's Health Study.

PubMed

Brown, Daniel E; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Morrison, Lynn A; Reza, Angela M; Mills, Phoebe S

2009-01-01

Many studies have found a significantly lower frequency of reported hot flashes (HFs) in Japanese and Japanese American (JA) populations, leading to speculation about possible dietary, genetic, or cultural differences. These studies have relied on subjective reports of HFs. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to compare both reported and objective HFs measured by sternal and nuchal skin conductance among JA and European American (EA) women. Two surveys of HF frequencies were carried out among women of either EA or JA ethnicity; aged 45 to 55 years; living in Hilo, Hawaii; and not using exogenous hormones. The first was a postal questionnaire (n = 325); the second was carried out during a clinical study of HFs (n = 134). Women in the second group underwent 24-hour ambulatory and 3-hour laboratory monitoring for objective HFs measured through skin conductance at sternal and nuchal sites. Subjective HFs were recorded on the monitor or in a diary. JAs were significantly less likely to report having had HFs in the previous 2 weeks compared with EAs (postal sample: JAs, 30.9%; EAs, 43.9%; chi(2) = 6.9, P < 0.01; monitored sample: JAs, 26.1%; EAs, 46.6%; chi(2) = 5.3, P < 0.05). JAs were also significantly less likely to report experiencing other symptoms (15 of 30 in the postal sample; 6 of 30 in the monitored sample) than EAs. However, JAs did not significantly differ in likelihood of reporting subjective HFs during the 24-hour ambulatory period (JAs, 51.1%; EAs, 55.8%; chi(2) = 0.3, NS), nor in percentage of individuals displaying one or more objective HFs as measured by the skin conductance monitor (JAs, 77.8%; EAs, 72.1%; chi(2) = 0.5, NS). JAs also did not have a significantly fewer number of objective HFs (t = 0.2, NS) nor of subjective HFs (t = 0.8, NS) during the monitoring period, and these results were unchanged when analyses controlled for menopause status and body mass index. The common finding of fewer reported HFs in people of Japanese ancestry may be a consequence of reporting bias: JAs report fewer symptoms of many conditions compared with people from other ethnic groups. This is probably due to cultural conceptions of what is appropriate to report.

Investigations in x-radiation stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, K. D.

1982-03-01

The objective is to invent a crystal x-ray laser. Investigations in the Radiation Research Lab. at Texas Tech University have established in a very straightforward way the line narrowing associated with a threshold pumping and a nonlinear rise in intensity. Recent work on x-ray Borrmann channeling via monocrystals has demonstrated the existence of a monochromatic x-ray beam without any vertical divergence. This would allow the transport of x-ray energy in space for thousands of miles without any loss of power. Preliminary experiments with a monocrystal excited by pulsed x-rays at Air Force Weapons Laboratory, KAFB, Albuquerque, seem to indicate a gain in intensity of the nondivergent hot spot with a concomitant fading of the regular Laue pattern. Current investigations in this line indicates that with proper doping of the monocrystal the nondivergent beam could be increased in intensity using a flash x-ray tube to pump the doped monocrystal. A concial target double beam flash x-ray line source instrument has been constructed to obtain a beam of nondivergent, stimulated, coherent, and monochromatic x-rays from doped monocrystals. A generation of stimulated x-rays using bunched electrons from pulsed high power klystron striking a monocrystal has been conceived.

Normalized Temperature Contrast Processing in Infrared Flash Thermography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay M.

2016-01-01

The paper presents further development in normalized contrast processing used in flash infrared thermography method. Method of computing normalized image or pixel intensity contrast, and normalized temperature contrast are provided. Methods of converting image contrast to temperature contrast and vice versa are provided. Normalized contrast processing in flash thermography is useful in quantitative analysis of flash thermography data including flaw characterization and comparison of experimental results with simulation. Computation of normalized temperature contrast involves use of flash thermography data acquisition set-up with high reflectivity foil and high emissivity tape such that the foil, tape and test object are imaged simultaneously. Methods of assessing other quantitative parameters such as emissivity of object, afterglow heat flux, reflection temperature change and surface temperature during flash thermography are also provided. Temperature imaging and normalized temperature contrast processing provide certain advantages over normalized image contrast processing by reducing effect of reflected energy in images and measurements, therefore providing better quantitative data. Examples of incorporating afterglow heat-flux and reflection temperature evolution in flash thermography simulation are also discussed.

FireWire: Hot New Multimedia Interface or Flash in the Pan?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Learn, Larry L., Ed.

1995-01-01

Examines potential solutions to the problem of personal computer cabling and configuration and serial port performance, namely "FireWire" (P1394) and "Universal Serial Bus" (USB). Discusses interface design, technical capabilities, user friendliness, compatibility, costs, and future perspectives. (AEF)

Prevention of Infection in Patients With Hematologic Cancer and Persistent Fever Caused by a Low White Blood Cell Count

ClinicalTrials.gov

2012-09-20

Bone Marrow Suppression; Fever, Sweats, and Hot Flashes; Infection; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Neoplasm; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Unspecified Adult Solid Tumor, Protocol Specific; Unspecified Childhood Solid Tumor, Protocol Specific

Environmental contexts of menopause in Spain: comparative results from recent research.

PubMed

Bernis, Cristina; Reher, David Sven

2007-01-01

This study had two main objectives: (1) to detect the differences in basic aspects of the reproductive aging process (age at menopause, menopausal symptoms, the medicalization of aging) among women from the region of Madrid, who at the time of the study were living in three different environmental contexts (rural, semiurban, and urban), and (2) to identify the main factors responsible for these differences. Data from two different research projects have been pooled for the DAMES project (Decisions At MEnopause Study), and the Ecology of Reproductive Aging Project. The sample size was 1,142, women 45 to 55 years of age (103 rural, 744 semiurban, 295 urban). Probit analysis was used to estimate median age at natural menopause in the three contexts. Rural women have a later onset of menopause (rural, 52.07 y; semiurban, 51.9 y; urban, 51.23 y) and significantly higher levels of the symptoms related to declines in estrogen, eg, hot flashes (rural, 56%; semiurban, 43%; urban, 46%; chi2=6.717, P=0.035) or loss of sexual desire (rural, 51%; semiurban, 44%; urban, 41%; chi2=24.934, P=0.001). Conversely, urban women suffer more from symptoms related to stress, eg, impatience (rural, 34%; semiurban, 25%; urban, 45%; chi2=41.328, P<0.001). The medicalization of menopause, measured in terms of both surgical menopause and the use of hormone therapy, is significantly higher in the urban population (surgical menopause: rural, 5.8%; semiurban, 8.7; urban, 10%; chi2=16.009, P<0.001). Despite these differences, levels of postmenopausal hormone therapy use are still somewhat lower than in other West European and North American populations. Two different logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify (1) factors associated with differences in ovarian aging, measured through menopausal status, and (2) factors associated with prevalence of hot flashes with respect to ovarian aging. Parity, body mass index, age, environmental context, and, slightly less so, smoking, alcohol consumption, age, education, age at menarche, and marital status all contribute significantly or nearly significantly and independently to the explanation of differences found. For the likelihood of having hot flashes, environmental context, age, education, age at menarche, menopausal status, and postmenopausal hormone therapy use all hae a significant or borderline significant effect. Significant differences have been shown to exist in rural, semiurban and urban settings in the median age at menopause, in basic symptom frequency and type, and in the levels of medicalization of the process of reproductive aging. Within multivariate regression models, it has been shown that body mass index, age, and environmental context all contribute to differences in reproductive aging. The factors associated with ovarian aging and hot flashes are comparable to those in other industrialized populations, although standard interpretations should be expanded to include context-based realities, including (1) the higher levels of modernization of urban women that influence differential behavior with respekt to risk factors at menopausal age; (2) the different ecological realities surrounding nutrition, physical activity, and social support that characterize women's period of development; and (3) the differential construction of their identity as women in terms of assertiveness, aesthetic perceptions, and the use of health services. Context does, indeed, matter.

Effects of stretching on menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kai, Yuko; Nagamatsu, Toshiya; Kitabatake, Yoshinori; Sensui, Hiroomi

2016-08-01

Exercise may help alleviate menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women, but sufficient evidence does not currently exist to fully support this theory. Whereas frequent moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise may be associated with the risk of menopausal hot flashes, light-intensity exercise, such as stretching, is not likely to increase the occurrence of hot flashes. Little is, however, known about the effects of light-intensity exercise on menopausal and depressive symptoms. We examined the effects of a 3-week stretching program on the menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged, Japanese women. Forty Japanese women, aged 40 to 61 years, were recruited (mean age, 51.1 ± 7.3 y). The participants were randomly assigned to either a stretching or a control group. The stretching group (n = 20) participated in a 3-week intervention program that involved 10 minutes of daily stretching, just before bedtime. The control group (n = 20) was assigned to a waiting list. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the Simplified Menopausal Index, which measures vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. The compliance rate was 75.8% during the 3-week intervention program. The total Simplified Menopausal Index scores, including the vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale scores significantly decreased in the stretching group compared with that in the control group. No adverse events, including increased hot flashes, were reported by the participants during the study period. These findings suggest that 10 minutes of stretching before bedtime decreases menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged, Japanese women.

Hypnosis in breast cancer care: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Cramer, Holger; Lauche, Romy; Paul, Anna; Langhorst, Jost; Kümmel, Sherko; Dobos, Gustav J

2015-01-01

Many breast cancer patients and survivors experience pain and emotional stress related to their disease, its diagnostic procedures, or treatment. Hypnosis has long been used for the treatment of such symptoms. The aim of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness of hypnosis in women with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and in women undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy. PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and CAMBASE were screened through February 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of hypnosis in women with breast cancer or undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy. RCTs on postmenopausal women without a history of breast cancer were also eligible. Primary outcomes were pain, distress, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and hot flashes. Safety was defined as secondary outcome measure. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 reviewers independently using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Thirteen RCTs with 1357 patients were included. In women undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy (3 RCTs), hypnosis positively influenced pain and distress; 1 RCT on breast cancer surgery found effects of hypnosis on pain, distress, fatigue, and nausea. For women undergoing radiotherapy (3 RCTs), hypnosis combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy improved distress and fatigue. In 3 RCTs on women with and without a history of breast cancer experiencing hot flashes, hypnosis improved hot flashes and distress. Three RCTs on women with metastatic breast cancer found effects on pain and distress. This systematic review found sparse but promising evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis in breast cancer care. While more research is needed to underpin these results, hypnosis can be considered as an ancillary intervention in the management of breast cancer-related symptoms. © The Author(s) 2014.

Sex hormone concentrations and the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women without hot flashes.

PubMed

Emond, Jennifer A; Patterson, Ruth E; Natarajan, Loki; Laughlin, Gail A; Gold, Ellen B; Pierce, John P

2011-05-01

We examined if the reduced risk of breast cancer events seen among women without baseline hot flash symptoms in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) dietary intervention trial was related to changes in sex hormone concentrations. Baseline and year one concentrations of total and bioavailable estradiol, and testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were compared by intervention arm among 447 postmenopausal women without hot flashes. Cox proportional hazard models tested interaction terms between study arm and baseline hormone concentrations adjusted for study site, antiestrogen use, positive nodes, tumor size, oophorectomy status, and hormone replacement therapy use. Sex hormone concentrations did not differ by study arm at baseline nor at year one. Twenty-two (9.8%) events occurred in the intervention arm versus 42 (18.9%) in the comparison arm (P = 0.009). Baseline bioavailable testosterone was significantly, positively associated with additional events (HR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.00-2.84; P = 0.049). There were significant interactions between the intervention and total (P = 0.015), and bioavailable (P = 0.050) testosterone: the intervention was more protective among participants with higher baseline total (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7) or bioavailable (HR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7) testosterone than for participants with lower baseline total (HR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4-1.5) or bioavailable (HR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4-1.5) testosterone. No significant effects were seen for estradiol or SHBG. The WHEL dietary intervention may have modified other risk factors of recurrence correlated with testosterone. Sex hormones should be considered as part of a larger biological system related to the risk of breast cancer recurrence. ©2011 AACR.

Evolutionary sequences of very hot, low-mass, accreting white dwarfs with application to symbiotic variables and ultrasoft/supersoft low-luminosity x-ray sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sion, Edward M.; Starrfield, Sumner G.

1994-01-01

We present the first detailed model results of quasi-static evolutionary sequences of very hot low-mass white dwarfs accreting hydrogen-rich material at rates between 1 x 10(exp -7) and 1 x 10(exp -9) solar mass/yr. Most of the sequences were generated from starting models whose core thermal structures were not thermally relaxed in the thermal pulse cycle-averaged sense of an asymptotic giant branch stellar core. Hence, the evolution at constant accretion rate was not invariably characterized by series of identical shell flashes. Sequences exhibiting stable steady state nuclear burning at the accretion supply rate as well as sequences exhibiting recurrent thermonuclear shell flashes are presented and discussed. In some cases, the white dwarf accretors remain small (less than 10(exp 11) cm) and very hot even during the shell flash episode. They then experience continued but reduced hydrogen shell burning during the longer quiescent intervals while their surface temperatures increase both because of compressional heating and envelope structure readjustment in response to accretion over thousands of years. Both accretion and continued hydrogen burning power these models with luminosities of a few times 10(exp 37) ergs/s. We suggest that the physical properties of these model sequences are of considerable relevance to the observed outburst and quiescent behavior of those symbiotic variables and symbiotic novae containing low-mass white dwarfs. We also suggest that our models are relevant to the observational characteristics of the growing class of low-luminosity, supersoft/ultrasoft X-ray sources in globular clusters, and the Magellanic Clouds.

The role of hot electrons in the dynamics of a laser-driven strong converging shock

DOE PAGES

Llor Aisa, E.; Ribeyre, X.; Duchateau, G.; ...

2017-11-30

Experiments on strong shock excitation in spherical plastic targets conducted at the Omega Laser Facility are interpreted with the radiation–hydrodynamics code CHIC to account for parametric instabilities excitation and hot-electron generation. The effects of hot electrons on the shock-pressure amplification and upstream preheat are analyzed. In this study, it is demonstrated that both effects contribute to an increase in shock velocity. Comparison of the measured laser reflectivity and shock flash time with numerical simulations make it possible to reconstitute the time history of the ablation and shock pressures. Finally, consequences of this analysis for the shock-ignition target design are discussed.

The role of hot electrons in the dynamics of a laser-driven strong converging shock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Llor Aisa, E.; Ribeyre, X.; Duchateau, G.

Experiments on strong shock excitation in spherical plastic targets conducted at the Omega Laser Facility are interpreted with the radiation–hydrodynamics code CHIC to account for parametric instabilities excitation and hot-electron generation. The effects of hot electrons on the shock-pressure amplification and upstream preheat are analyzed. In this study, it is demonstrated that both effects contribute to an increase in shock velocity. Comparison of the measured laser reflectivity and shock flash time with numerical simulations make it possible to reconstitute the time history of the ablation and shock pressures. Finally, consequences of this analysis for the shock-ignition target design are discussed.

Effects of Reproductive History on Symptoms of Menopause: A Brief Report

PubMed Central

Nelson, Deborah B.; Sammel, Mary D.; Patterson, Freda; Lin, Hui; Gracia, Clarisa R.; Freeman, Ellen W.

2011-01-01

Objective To examine the relationship between reproductive history and menopausal symptoms among urban women. Methods A cohort study of women aged 35–47 recruited in Philadelphia, PA. Two hundred and ninety one pre-menopausal women meeting study eligibility criteria and contributing reproductive health history and infertility information completed assessments of occurrence and severity of several menopausal symptoms over a 14 year period. Reproductive history included the number of pregnancies, live births, preterm deliveries and miscarriages. Trying to get pregnant for more than one year was used as an assessment of infertility. The occurrence of severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness and decreased libido were evaluated. Results Women scoring positive on the infertility index were significantly more likely to report severe decreased libido (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.05–3.31) and over twice as likely to report severe vaginal dryness (OR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.19–6.94) in multivariable models. None of the other reproductive health indices were related to report of severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness or decreased libido. The race-specific models continued to find a significant, increased risk of severe vaginal dryness (OR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.22–6.36) and decreased libido (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.04–3.34) among white women scoring positive on the infertility index; however the relationship did not remain significant among African-American women. Conclusions Severe vaginal dryness and decreased libido are common and important considerations of the menopausal transition and the experience of infertility problems may influence the report of severe vaginal dryness and decreased libido particularly among white women. PMID:21552165

Severe menopausal symptoms are widespread among survivors of breast cancer treatment regardless of time since diagnosis.

PubMed

Mortimer, Joanne; Behrendt, Carolyn E

2013-09-01

The intensity and persistence of treatment-related symptoms among breast cancer survivors is incompletely understood. The objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of severe symptoms well after initial treatment for breast cancer, to test whether symptom intensity diminishes with time or varies by treatment received. This was a cross-sectional survey of female survivors of stage I-III invasive breast cancer, seen for routine follow-up a year or more after diagnosis. Data was derived from three validated questionnaires indicating physical and emotional domains. Symptoms rated in the top two levels of four- or five-item Likert scales were "severe." Associations with symptom intensity were tested using multivariate linear regression. Survey response was 68.5% (50/73). Respondents were age 55.4 (±9.1) years, median 2.2 (1.0-13.1) years since diagnosis; 64% were receiving endocrine therapy. Severe levels of hot flashes (42% of respondents), weight gain (32%), low libido (32%), and joint pain (30%) were common; (36%) of respondents rated sleep "fairly poor" or "very bad;" 30% were fatigued at least half the day. For 34%, health typically limited vigorous activities "a lot." Most (84%) respondents were experiencing at least one severe symptom. Symptom intensity did not vary with time since diagnosis. Of seven symptoms, three (hot flashes, weight gain, low libido) were more intense when systemic treatment had included endocrine therapy. Time in past month feeling down, nervous, or worn out increased with intensity of physical symptoms. Given their severity, persistence, and association with emotional burden, treatment-related symptoms among breast cancer survivors (BCS) merit greater attention toward clinical management, patient education, and longitudinal study.

Self-Reported Menopausal Symptoms, Coronary Artery Calcification and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Recently Menopausal Women Screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)

PubMed Central

Wolff, Erin Foran; He, Yunxiao; Black, Dennis M.; Brinton, Eliot A.; Budoff, Mathew J.; Cedars, Marcelle I.; Hodis, Howard N.; Lobo, Rogerio A.; Manson, JoAnn E.; Merriam, George R.; Miller, Virginia M.; Naftolin, Fredrick; Pal, Lubna; Santoro, Nanette; Zhang, Heping; Harman, S. Mitchell; Taylor, Hugh S.

2012-01-01

Objective To determine whether self-reported menopausal symptoms are associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Setting Multi-center, randomized controlled trial. Patients Recently menopausal women (n=868) screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS). Design Cross sectional analysis. Interventions None Main Outcome Measures Baseline menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, night sweats, palpitations, mood swings, depression, insomnia, irritability), serum estradiol (E2) levels and measures of atherosclerosis were assessed. Atherosclerosis was quantified using Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Agatston scores (n=771) and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT). Logistic regression model of menopausal symptoms and E2 was used to predict CAC. Linear regression model of menopausal symptoms and E2 was used to predict CIMT. Correlation between length of time in menopause with menopausal symptoms, estradiol (E2), CAC, and CIMT were assessed. Results In early menopausal women screened for KEEPS, neither E2 nor climacteric symptoms predicted the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis. Palpitations (p=0.09) and depression (p=0.07) approached significance as predictors of CAC. Other symptoms of insomnia, irritability, dyspareunia, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and vaginal dryness were not associated with CAC. Women with significantly elevated CAC scores were excluded from further participation in KEEPS; in women meeting inclusion criteria, neither baseline menopausal symptoms nor E2 predicted CIMT. Years since menopause onset correlated with CIMT, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and E2. Conclusions Self-reported symptoms in recently menopausal women are not strong predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Continued follow-up of this population will be performed to determine if baseline or persistent symptoms in the early menopause are associated with progression of cardiovascular disease. PMID:23312232

Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices: What the Science Says

MedlinePlus

... had significantly greater levels of satisfaction than the control group. A 2008 randomized trial found that hypnosis appears ... that acupuncture was no better than sham acupuncture (control) for the treatment of hot flashes. Both groups (sham acupuncture and true acupuncture) had a significant ...

Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects: Sexual and Fertility Changes in Women

MedlinePlus

... I could take my sweater off during a hot flash.” “I used a cream to help with vaginal dryness, and I used a lubricant to feel more comfortable when I had sex.” Ask your nurse what products or brands can ...

The Menopause Time of Life.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Inst. on Aging (DHHS/NIH), Bethesda, MD.

This pamphlet examines menopause and the changes associated with it. Menopause is briefly described, surgical menopause is explained, and the relationship between menopause and the reproductive cycle is discussed. Signs of menopause are described, including hot flashes and vaginal and urinary tract changes. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is explained…

Memory Decline in Peri- and Post-menopausal Women: The Potential of Mind–Body Medicine to Improve Cognitive Performance

PubMed Central

Sliwinski, Jim R; Johnson, Aimee K; Elkins, Gary R

2014-01-01

Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint during the menopause transition and among post-menopausal women. Changes in memory correspond with diminished estrogen production. Further, many peri- and post-menopausal women report sleep concerns, depression, and hot flashes, and these factors may contribute to cognitive decline. Hormone therapy can increase estrogen but is contraindicated for many women. Mind–body medicine has been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep, mood, and hot flashes, among post-menopausal women. Further, mind–body medicine holds potential in addressing symptoms of cognitive decline post-menopause. This study proposes an initial framework for how mind–body interventions may improve cognitive performance and inform future research seeking to identify the common and specific factors associated with mind–body medicine for addressing memory decline in peri- and post-menopausal women. It is our hope that this article will eventually lead to a more holistic and integrative approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits in peri- and post-menopausal women. PMID:25125972

A ceramic/slag interface as an analog for accretion of hot refractory objects and rim formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paque, J. M.; Bunch, T. E.

1994-01-01

Refractory inclusions or Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAI's) from carbonaceous chondrites span a wide range of bulk compositions that cannot be explained either by segregation from a gas of solar composition at different points in the condensation sequence or by fractional crystallization from a parent liquid. CAI's are commonly rimmed by Wark-Lovering (W-L) rims, a series of nearly monomineralic layers that have been a source of controversy since the variety of rim sequences occurring on different types of CAI's from Allende were described. The origin of these distinctive features has not yet been resolved, with proponents of accretion, condensation, flash heating, ablation, evaporation, etc. Rims have generated considerable interest because they potentially contain clues to conditions experienced by CAI's after the formation of the inclusion and prior to incorporation into the parent body. Ceramic bricks in contact with hot steel slag may produce reaction products in rimlike fashion similar to those found in CAI's. The similarity between the mineralogy of blast furnace slags and CAI's has long been recognized, with both containing unusual phases not found in terrestrial materials. We provide here a comparison between a ceramic brick/slag multiple-layered interface and a multiple-layered interface between a melilite-perovskite object and a melilite-spinel object in the Allende inclusion USNM 4691-1. These results have implications in interpreting the origin of rims and the textures and compositions of CAI's.

A Method to Measure and Estimate Normalized Contrast in Infrared Flash Thermography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay M.

2016-01-01

The paper presents further development in normalized contrast processing used in flash infrared thermography method. Method of computing normalized image or pixel intensity contrast, and normalized temperature contrast are provided. Methods of converting image contrast to temperature contrast and vice versa are provided. Normalized contrast processing in flash thermography is useful in quantitative analysis of flash thermography data including flaw characterization and comparison of experimental results with simulation. Computation of normalized temperature contrast involves use of flash thermography data acquisition set-up with high reflectivity foil and high emissivity tape such that the foil, tape and test object are imaged simultaneously. Methods of assessing other quantitative parameters such as emissivity of object, afterglow heat flux, reflection temperature change and surface temperature during flash thermography are also provided. Temperature imaging and normalized temperature contrast processing provide certain advantages over normalized image contrast processing by reducing effect of reflected energy in images and measurements, therefore providing better quantitative data. Examples of incorporating afterglow heat-flux and reflection temperature evolution in flash thermography simulation are also discussed.

Motion streaks do not influence the perceived position of stationary flashed objects.

PubMed

Pavan, Andrea; Bellacosa Marotti, Rosilari

2012-01-01

In the present study, we investigated whether motion streaks, produced by fast moving dots Geisler 1999, distort the positional map of stationary flashed objects producing the well-known motion-induced position shift illusion (MIPS). The illusion relies on motion-processing mechanisms that induce local distortions in the positional map of the stimulus which is derived by shape-processing mechanisms. To measure the MIPS, two horizontally offset Gaussian blobs, placed above and below a central fixation point, were flashed over two fields of dots moving in opposite directions. Subjects judged the position of the top Gaussian blob relative to the bottom one. The results showed that neither fast (motion streaks) nor slow moving dots influenced the perceived spatial position of the stationary flashed objects, suggesting that background motion does not interact with the shape-processing mechanisms involved in MIPS.

Effect of aerobic exercises versus laser acupuncture in treatment of postmenopausal hot flushes: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Elhosary, Eman Abdelfatah Mohamed; Ewidea, Mahmoud Mohamed; Ahmed, Hamada Ahmed Hamada; El Khatib, Ayman

2018-02-01

[Purpose] To compare the effect of aerobic exercises versus laser acupuncture in treatment of postmenopausal hot flushes. [Subjects and Methods] This study was designed as single blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 48 postmenopausal women complained of hot flushes. Their ages ranged between 45 to 55 years and were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups: group (A), which received an aerobic exercises, and group (B), which received laser acupuncture. Both groups recieved 3 sessions per week for two months. The level of follicular stimulating hormone, lutelizing hormone, and hot flushes dairy card were assessed the severity of hot flahes before and after treatment program. [Results] There were Significant reduction in FSH, LH, and menopausal daily hot flush scale in group A compared with group B at the post treatment. [Conclusion] Eight week program of an aerobic exercises yields improvement in FSH, LH, and decrease in severity of hot flushes assessed by hot flush dairy card than laser acupuncture in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes.

Impact of CYP19A1 and ESR1 variants on early-onset side effects during combined endocrine therapy in the TEXT trial.

PubMed

Johansson, Harriet; Gray, Kathryn P; Pagani, Olivia; Regan, Meredith M; Viale, Giuseppe; Aristarco, Valentina; Macis, Debora; Puccio, Antonella; Roux, Susanne; Maibach, Rudolf; Colleoni, Marco; Rabaglio, Manuela; Price, Karen N; Coates, Alan S; Gelber, Richard D; Goldhirsch, Aron; Kammler, Roswitha; Bonanni, Bernardo; Walley, Barbara A

2016-11-08

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1) genes have been associated with breast cancer risk, endocrine therapy response and side effects, mainly in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer. This analysis aimed to assess the association of selected germline CYP19A1 and ESR1 SNPs with early-onset hot flashes, sweating and musculoskeletal symptoms in premenopausal patients enrolled in the Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT). Blood was collected from consenting premenopausal women with hormone-responsive early breast cancer, randomly assigned to 5-years of tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression (OFS) or exemestane plus OFS. DNA was extracted with QIAamp kits and genotyped for two CYP19A1 (rs4646 and rs10046) and three ESR1 (rs2077647, rs2234693 and rs9340799) SNPs by a real-time pyrosequencing technique. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded at baseline and 3-monthly during the first year. Associations of the genotype variants with grade ≥2 early-onset targeted AEs of hot flashes/sweating or musculoskeletal events were assessed using logistic regression models. There were 2660 premenopausal patients with breast cancer in the intention-to-treat population of TEXT, and 1967 (74 %) are included in this translational study. The CYP19A1 rs10046 variant T/T, represented in 23 % of women, was associated with a reduced incidence of grade ≥2 hot flashes/sweating (univariate odds ratio (OR) = 0.78; 95 % CI 0.63-0.97; P = 0.03), more strongly in patients assigned exemestane + OFS (TT vs CT/CC: OR = 0.65, 95 % CI = 0.48-0.89) than assigned tamoxifen + OFS (OR = 0.94, 95 % CI = 0.69-1.27, interaction P = 0.03). No association with any of the CYP19A1/ESR1 genotypes and musculoskeletal AEs was found. The CYP19A1 rs10046 variant T/T favors lower incidence of hot flashes/sweating under exemestane + OFS treatment, suggesting endocrine-mediated effects. Based on findings from others, this SNP may potentially enhance treatment adherence and treatment efficacy. We plan to evaluate the clinical impact of this polymorphism during time, pending sufficient median follow up. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00066703, registered August 6, 2003.

Theoretical investigation of flash vaporisation in a screw expander

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasuthevan, Hanushan; Brümmer, Andreas

2017-08-01

In the present study flash vaporisation of liquid injection in a twin screw expander for a Trilateral Flash Cycle (TFC) is examined theoretically. The TFC process comprises a pressure increase in the working fluid, followed by heating the liquid close to boiling point. The hot liquid is injected into the working chamber of a screw expander. During this process the pressure of the liquid drops below the saturation pressure, while the temperature of the liquid remains virtually constant. Hence the liquid is superheated and in a metastable state. The liquid jet seeks to achieve a stable state in thermodynamic equilibrium and is therefore partially vaporised. This effect is referred to as flash vaporisation. Accordingly, a two-phase mixture, consisting of vapour and liquid, exists in the working chamber. Thermodynamic simulations were carried out using water as the working fluid for representative screw expander geometry. The simulations presented are performed from two different aspects during the filling process of a screw expander. The first case is the vaporisation of the injected liquid in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, whereby the two-phase mixture is treated entirely as a compressible and homogeneous gas. The second case considers flashing efficiency. It describes the quantity of flashed vapour and consists of a liquid and vapour domain. Both models are compared and analysed with respect to the operational behaviour of a screw expander.

Climate Prediction Center: Seasonal Drought Outlook

Science.gov Websites

transitions to summer, however, these dry incipient conditions leave this region vulnerable to flash drought development should an extended period of hot, dry weather occur. Across the West, drought conditions persisted climatology. Despite the anticipated onset of monsoon thunderstorms over the Southwest during mid-summer, dry

29 CFR 1915.14 - Hot work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... adjacent to spaces containing flammable gases or liquids, with a flash point below 150 °F (65.6 °C) when...) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other... or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries...

29 CFR 1915.14 - Hot work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... adjacent to spaces containing flammable gases or liquids, with a flash point below 150 °F (65.6 °C) when...) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other... or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries...

29 CFR 1915.14 - Hot work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... adjacent to spaces containing flammable gases or liquids, with a flash point below 150 °F (65.6 °C) when...) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other... or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries...

29 CFR 1915.14 - Hot work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... adjacent to spaces containing flammable gases or liquids, with a flash point below 150 °F (65.6 °C) when...) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other... or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries...

29 CFR 1915.14 - Hot work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... adjacent to spaces containing flammable gases or liquids, with a flash point below 150 °F (65.6 °C) when...) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other... or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries...

IR Thermography of International Space Station Radiator Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay; Winfree, WIlliam; Morton, Richard; Howell, Patricia

2010-01-01

Several non-flight qualification test radiators were inspected using flash thermography. Flash thermography data analysis used raw and second derivative images to detect anomalies (Echotherm and Mosaic). Simple contrast evolutions were plotted for the detected anomalies to help in anomaly characterization. Many out-of-family indications were noted. Some out-of-family indications were classified as cold spot indications and are due to additional adhesive or adhesive layer behind the facesheet. Some out-of-family indications were classified as hot spot indications and are due to void, unbond or lack of adhesive behind the facesheet. The IR inspection helped in assessing expected manufacturing quality of the radiators.

The buzz-lag effect.

PubMed

Cellini, Cristiano; Scocchia, Lisa; Drewing, Knut

2016-10-01

In the flash-lag illusion, a brief visual flash and a moving object presented at the same location appear to be offset with the flash trailing the moving object. A considerable amount of studies investigated the visual flash-lag effect, and flash-lag-like effects have also been observed in audition, and cross-modally between vision and audition. In the present study, we investigate whether a similar effect can also be observed when using only haptic stimuli. A fast vibration (or buzz, lasting less than 20 ms) was applied to the moving finger of the observers and employed as a "haptic flash." Participants performed a two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) task where they had to judge whether the moving finger was located to the right or to the left of the stationary finger at the time of the buzz. We used two different movement velocities (Slow and Fast conditions). We found that the moving finger was systematically misperceived to be ahead of the stationary finger when the two were physically aligned. This result can be interpreted as a purely haptic analogue of the flash-lag effect, which we refer to as "buzz-lag effect." The buzz-lag effect can be well accounted for by the temporal-sampling explanation of flash-lag-like effects.

A Hot Downflowing Model Atmosphere for Umbral Flashes and the Physical Properties of Their Dark Fibrils

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Henriques, V. M. J.; Mathioudakis, M.; Socas-Navarro, H.

We perform non-LTE inversions in a large set of umbral flashes, including the dark fibrils visible within them, and in the quiescent umbra by using the inversion code NICOLE on a set of full Stokes high-resolution Ca ii λ 8542 observations of a sunspot at disk center. We find that the dark structures have Stokes profiles that are distinct from those of the quiescent and flashed regions. They are best reproduced by atmospheres that are more similar to the flashed atmosphere in terms of velocities, even if with reduced amplitudes. We also find two sets of solutions that finely fitmore » the flashed profiles: a set that is upflowing, featuring a transition region that is deeper than in the quiescent case and preceded by a slight dip in temperature, and a second solution with a hotter atmosphere in the chromosphere but featuring downflows close to the speed of sound at such heights. Such downflows may be related, or even dependent, on the presence of coronal loops, rooted in the umbra of sunspots, as is the case in the region analyzed. Similar loops have been recently observed to have supersonic downflows in the transition region and are consistent with the earlier “sunspot plumes,” which were invariably found to display strong downflows in sunspots. Finally, we find, on average, a magnetic field reduction in the flashed areas, suggesting that the shock pressure is moving field lines in the upper layers.« less

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of plant lignan 7-hydroxymatairesinol and effects on serum enterolactone and clinical symptoms in postmenopausal women: a single-blinded, parallel, dose-comparison study.

PubMed

Udani, Jay K; Brown, Donald J; Tan, Maria Olivia C; Hardy, Mary

2013-01-01

7-Hydroxymaitairesinol (7-HMR) is a naturally occurring plant lignan found in whole grains and the Norway spruce (Piciea abies). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of a proprietary 7-HMR product (HMRlignan, Linnea SA, Locarno, Switzerland) through measurement of lignan metabolites and metabolic precursors. A single-blind, parallel, pharmacokinetic and dose-comparison study was conducted on 22 postmenopausal females not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Subjects were enrolled in either a 36 mg/d (low-dose) or 72 mg/d dose (high-dose) regimen for 8 weeks. Primary measured outcomes included plasma levels of 7-HMR and enterolactone (ENL), and single-dose pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on a subset of subjects in the low-dose group. Safety data and adverse event reports were collected as well as data on hot flash frequency and severity. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated 7-HMR C max = 757.08 ng/ml at 1 hour and ENL C max = 4.8 ng/ml at 24 hours. From baseline to week 8, plasma 7-HMR levels increased by 191% in the low-dose group (p < 0.01) and by 1238% in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). Plasma ENL levels consistently increased as much as 157% from baseline in the low-dose group and 137% in the high-dose group. Additionally, the mean number of weekly hot flashes decreased by 50%, from 28.0/week to 14.3/week (p < 0.05) in the high-dose group. No significant safety issues were identified in this study. The results demonstrate that HMRlignan is quickly absorbed into the plasma and is metabolized to ENL in healthy postmenopausal women. Clinically, the data demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in hot flash frequency. Doses up to 72 mg/d HMRlignan for 8 weeks were safe and well tolerated in this population.

Women's attitude and perceptions towards menopause in different cultures. Cross-cultural and intra-cultural comparison of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women in Germany and in Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Kowalcek, Ingrid; Rotte, Doerte; Banz, Constanze; Diedrich, Klaus

2005-07-16

To study cross-cultural and intra-cultural differences between the perception and the experience of menopause in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal German and Papua New Guineas women. Concepts concerning menopause and the experience of the menopause were assessed by the symptom categories (i.e. hot flashes, cardiac or sleeping disorders, depression, irritability, lack of drive, vaginal dryness, painful joints or muscles) according to the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). In addition to the translated English version, a questionnaire in Pidgin-English was offered. Questions about positive and negative expectations of menopause and the acceptance of hormonal replacement therapy were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test as indicated. One hundred and one pre-menopausal and 40 post-menopausal women in Germany as well as 36 pre-menopausal and 41 post-menopausal women in Papua New Guinea were questioned. The expectations regarding the menopause differed significantly in favor of a higher trait intensity concerning the item of hot flashes in Germany and a significantly higher trait intensity in the items cardiac trouble, lack of drive, urological symptoms, vaginal dryness, joint and muscle symptoms in Papua New Guinea. In the menopause experience, significant differences between the cultures are confirmed in favor of a higher trait intensity in Papua New Guinea concerning experienced depression, drop in performance, sexual disturbances and vaginal dryness. The intra-cultural comparison between the concepts concerning menopause and the menopause experience in Germany shows a significantly higher trait intensity with regard to the expected disturbance from hot flashes, depression, agitation, lack of drive and sexual problems as compared to the experienced disturbances. In Papua New Guinea, the survey showed a difference in expected and experienced vaginal dryness. Perception and concepts concerning illness and health are based on culturally produced patterns.

New Observational Evidence of Flash Mixing on the White Dwarf Cooling Curve

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, T. M.; Lanz, T.; Sweigart, A. V.; Cracraft, Misty; Hubeny, Ivan; Landsman, W. B.

2011-01-01

Blue hook stars are a class of subluminous extreme horizontal branch stars that were discovered in UV images of the massive globular clusters w Cen and NGC 2808. These stars occupy a region of the HR diagram that is unexplained by canonical stellar evolution theory. Using new theoretical evolutionary and atmospheric models, we have shown that the blue hook stars are very likely the progeny of stars that undergo extensive internal mixing during a late helium-core flash on the white dwarf cooling curve. This "flash mixing" produces hotter-than-normal EHB stars with atmospheres significantly enhanced in helium and carbon. The larger bolometric correction, combined with the decrease in hydrogen opacity, makes these stars appear sub luminous in the optical and UV. Flash mixing is more likely to occur in stars born with a high helium abundance, due to their lower mass at the main sequence turnoff. For this reason, the phenomenon is more common in those massive globular clusters that show evidence for secondary populations enhanced in helium. However, a high helium abundance does not, by itself, explain the presence of blue hook stars in massive globular clusters. Here, we present new observational evidence for flash mixing, using recent HST observations. These include UV color-magnitude diagrams of six massive globular clusters and far-UV spectroscopy of hot subdwarfs in one of these clusters (NGC 2808).

Profiles in Renewable Energy: Case Studies of Successful Utility-Sector

Science.gov Websites

Shape of Renewable Energy Technologies Today Biomass Wood-Burning Plant Reduces Air Pollution Kettle Economical Altamont Pass Windplants U.S. Windpower, Inc. For More Information The Shape of Renewable Energy temperatures >175 degrees C), which rely on flashing the hot water to steam, and binary plants (for resource

Yale Study: African-American Women Report More Menopause Symptoms than White Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black Issues in Higher Education, 2005

2005-01-01

A study of African-American women in menopause shows that while they experience many of the same symptoms as White women, they report more vasomotor symptoms such as dizziness and bloating, according to a study by a Yale School of Nursing researcher. The women reported symptoms common among White women in menopause--hot flashes, irregular…

Experimental study of flash boiling spray vaporization through quantitative vapor concentration and liquid temperature measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Gaoming; Hung, David L. S.; Xu, Min

2014-08-01

Flash boiling sprays of liquid injection under superheated conditions provide the novel solutions of fast vaporization and better air-fuel mixture formation for internal combustion engines. However, the physical mechanisms of flash boiling spray vaporization are more complicated than the droplet surface vaporization due to the unique bubble generation and boiling process inside a superheated bulk liquid, which are not well understood. In this study, the vaporization of flash boiling sprays was investigated experimentally through the quantitative measurements of vapor concentration and liquid temperature. Specifically, the laser-induced exciplex fluorescence technique was applied to distinguish the liquid and vapor distributions. Quantitative vapor concentration was obtained by correlating the intensity of vapor-phase fluorescence with vapor concentration through systematic corrections and calibrations. The intensities of two wavelengths were captured simultaneously from the liquid-phase fluorescence spectra, and their intensity ratios were correlated with liquid temperature. The results show that both liquid and vapor phase of multi-hole sprays collapse toward the centerline of the spray with different mass distributions under the flash boiling conditions. Large amount of vapor aggregates along the centerline of the spray to form a "gas jet" structure, whereas the liquid distributes more uniformly with large vortexes formed in the vicinity of the spray tip. The vaporization process under the flash boiling condition is greatly enhanced due to the intense bubble generation and burst. The liquid temperature measurements show strong temperature variations inside the flash boiling sprays with hot zones present in the "gas jet" structure and vortex region. In addition, high vapor concentration and closed vortex motion seem to have inhibited the heat and mass transfer in these regions. In summary, the vapor concentration and liquid temperature provide detailed information concerning the heat and mass transfer inside flash boiling sprays, which is important for the understanding of its unique vaporization process.

Hot-Electron-Induced Device Degradation during Gate-Induced Drain Leakage Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kwang-Soo; Han, Chang-Hoon; Lee, Jun-Ki; Kim, Dong-Soo; Kim, Hyong-Joon; Shin, Joong-Shik; Lee, Hea-Beoum; Choi, Byoung-Deog

2012-11-01

We studied the interface state generation and electron trapping by hot electrons under gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) stress in p-type metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (P-MOSFETs), which are used as the high-voltage core circuit of flash memory devices. When negative voltage was applied to a drain in the off-state, a GIDL current was generated, but when high voltage was applied to the drain, electrons had a high energy. The hot electrons produced the interface state and electron trapping. As a result, the threshold voltage shifted and the off-state leakage current (trap-assisted drain junction leakage current) increased. On the other hand, electron trapping mitigated the energy band bending near the drain and thus suppressed the GIDL current generation.

Measuring attention using flash-lag effect.

PubMed

Shioiri, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Ken; Oshida, Hiroki; Matsubara, Kazuya; Yaguchi, Hirohisa

2010-08-13

We investigated the effect of attention on the flash-lag effect (FLE) in order to determine whether the FLE can be used to estimate the effect of visual attention. The FLE is the effect that a flash aligned with a moving object is perceived to lag the moving object, and several studies have shown that attention reduces its magnitude. We measured the FLE as a function of the number or speed of moving objects. The results showed that the effect of cueing, which we attributed the effect of attention, on the FLE increased monotonically with the number or the speed of the objects. This suggests that the amount of attention can be estimated by measuring the FLE, assuming that more amount of attention is required for a larger number or faster speed of objects to attend. On the basis of this presumption, we attempted to measure the spatial spread of visual attention by FLE measurements. The estimated spatial spreads were similar to those estimated by other experimental methods.

Capture of visual direction in dynamic vergence is reduced with flashed monocular lines.

PubMed

Jaschinski, Wolfgang; Jainta, Stephanie; Schürer, Michael

2006-08-01

The visual direction of a continuously presented monocular object is captured by the visual direction of a closely adjacent binocular object, which questions the reliability of nonius lines for measuring vergence. This was shown by Erkelens, C. J., and van Ee, R. (1997a,b) [Capture of the visual direction: An unexpected phenomenon in binocular vision. Vision Research, 37, 1193-1196; Capture of the visual direction of monocular objects by adjacent binocular objects. Vision Research, 37, 1735-1745] stimulating dynamic vergence by a counter phase oscillation of two square random-dot patterns (one to each eye) that contained a smaller central dot-free gap (of variable width) with a vertical monocular line oscillating in phase with the random-dot pattern of the respective eye; subjects adjusted the motion-amplitude of the line until it was perceived as (nearly) stationary. With a continuously presented monocular line, we replicated capture of visual direction provided the dot-free gap was narrow: the adjusted motion-amplitude of the line was similar as the motion-amplitude of the random-dot pattern, although large vergence errors occurred. However, when we flashed the line for 67 ms at the moments of maximal and minimal disparity of the vergence stimulus, we found that the adjusted motion-amplitude of the line was smaller; thus, the capture effect appeared to be reduced with flashed nonius lines. Accordingly, we found that the objectively measured vergence gain was significantly correlated (r=0.8) with the motion-amplitude of the flashed monocular line when the separation between the line and the fusion contour was at least 32 min arc. In conclusion, if one wishes to estimate the dynamic vergence response with psychophysical methods, effects of capture of visual direction can be reduced by using flashed nonius lines.

Botanical modulation of menopausal symptoms: Mechanisms of action?

PubMed Central

Hajirahimkhan, Atieh; Dietz, Birgit M.; Bolton, Judy L.

2013-01-01

Menopausal women suffer from a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats which can affect quality of life. Although hormone therapy (HT) has been the treatment of choice for relieving these symptoms, HT has been associated with increased breast cancer risk leading many women to search for natural, efficacious, and safe alternatives such as botanical supplements. Data from clinical trials suggesting that botanicals have efficacy for menopausal symptom relief, have been controversial and several mechanisms of action have been proposed including estrogenic, progestogenic, and serotonergic pathways. Plant extracts with potential estrogenic activities include soy, red clover, kudzu, hops, licorice, rhubarb, yam, and chasteberry. Botanicals with reported progestogenic activities are red clover, hops, yam, and chasteberry. Serotonergic mechanisms have also been proposed since women taking antidepressants often report reduction in hot flashes and night sweats. Black cohosh, kudzu, kava, licorice, and dong quai all either have reported 5-HT7 ligands or inhibit serotonin re-uptake, therefore have potential serotonergic activities. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these natural remedies used for women’s health, could lead to more efficacious formulations and to the isolation of active components which have the potential of becoming effective medications in the future. PMID:23408273

A reconnaissance geochemical study of La Primavera geothermal area, Jalisco, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mahood, G.A.; Truesdell, A.H.; Templos, M.L.A.

1983-01-01

The Sierra La Primavera, a late Pleistocene rhyolitic caldera complex in Jalisco, Me??xico, contains fumaroles and large-discharge 65??C hot springs that are associated with faults related to caldera collapse and to later magma insurgence. The nearly-neutral, sodium bicarbonate, hot springs occur at low elevations at the margins of the complex, whereas the water-rich fumaroles are high and central. The Comisio??n Federal de Electricidad de Me??xico (CFE) has recently drilled two deep holes at the center of the Sierra (PR-1 and Pr-2) and one deep hole at the western margin. Temperatures as high as 285??C were encountered at 1160 m in PR-1, which produced fluids with 820 to 865 mg/kg chloride after flashing to one atmosphere. Nearby, PR-2 encountered temperatures to 307??C at 2000 m and yielded fluids with chloride contents fluctuating between 1100 and 1560 mg/kg after flashing. Neither of the high-temperature wells produced steam in commercial quantities. The well at the western margin of the Sierra produced fluids similar to those from the hot springs. The temperature reached a maximum of 100??C near the surface and decreased to 80??C at 2000 m. Various geothermometers (quartz conductive, Na/K, Na-K-Ca, ??18O(SO4-H2O) and D/H (steam-water) all yield temperatures of 170 ?? 20??C when applied to the hot spring waters, suggesting that these spring waters flow from a large shallow reservoir at this temperature. Because the hot springs are much less saline than the fluids recovered in PR-1 and PR-2, the mixed fluid in the shallow reservoir can contain no more than 10-20% deep fluid. This requires that most of the heat is transferred by steam. There is probably a thin vapor-dominated zone in the central part of the Sierra, through which steam and gases are transferred to the overlying shallow reservoir. Fluids from this reservoir cool from ???170??C to 65??C by conduction during the 5-7 km of lateral flow to the hot springs. ?? 1983.

CXO J004318.8+412016, a steady supersoft X-ray source in M 31

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orio, Marina; Luna, G. J. M.; Kotulla, R.; Gallager, J. S.; Zampieri, L.; Mikolajewska, J.; Harbeck, D.; Bianchini, A.; Chiosi, E.; Della Valle, M.; de Martino, D.; Kaur, A.; Mapelli, M.; Munari, U.; Odendaal, A.; Trinchieri, G.; Wade, J.; Zemko, P.

2017-09-01

We obtained an optical spectrum of a star we identify as the optical counterpart of the M31 Chandra source CXO J004318.8+412016, because of prominent emission lines of the Balmer series, of neutral helium, and a He II line at 4686 Å. The continuum energy distribution and the spectral characteristics demonstrate the presence of a red giant of K or earlier spectral type, so we concluded that the binary is likely to be a symbiotic system. CXO J004318.8+412016 has been observed in X-rays as a luminous supersoft source (SSS) since 1979, with effective temperature exceeding 40 eV and variable X-ray luminosity, oscillating between a few times 1035 erg s-1 and a few times 1037 erg s-1 in the space of a few weeks. The optical, infrared and ultraviolet colours of the optical object are consistent with an an accretion disc around a compact object companion, which may be either a white dwarf or a black hole, depending on the system parameters. If the origin of the luminous supersoft X-rays is the atmosphere of a white dwarf that is burning hydrogen in shell, it is as hot and luminous as post-thermonuclear flash novae, yet no major optical outburst has ever been observed, suggesting that the white dwarf is very massive (m ≥ 1.2 M⊙) and it is accreting and burning at the high rate \\dot{m} > 10^{-8} M⊙ yr-1 expected for Type Ia supernovae progenitors. In this case, the X-ray variability may be due to a very short recurrence time of only mildly degenerate thermonuclear flashes.

Characteristics of Lightning Within Electrified Snowfall Events Using Lightning Mapping Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Christopher J.; Lang, Timothy J.; Bruning, Eric C.; Calhoun, Kristin M.; Harkema, Sebastian; Curtis, Nathan

2018-02-01

This study examined 34 lightning flashes within four separate thundersnow events derived from lightning mapping arrays (LMAs) in northern Alabama, central Oklahoma, and Washington DC. The goals were to characterize the in-cloud component of each lightning flash, as well as the correspondence between the LMA observations and lightning data taken from national lightning networks like the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN). Individual flashes were examined in detail to highlight several observations within the data set. The study results demonstrated that the structures of these flashes were primarily normal polarity. The mean area encompassed by this set of flashes is 375 km2, with a maximum flash extent of 2,300 km2, a minimum of 3 km2, and a median of 128 km2. An average of 2.29 NLDN flashes were recorded per LMA-derived lightning flash. A maximum of 11 NLDN flashes were recorded in association with a single LMA-derived flash on 10 January 2011. Additionally, seven of the 34 flashes in the study contain zero NLDN-identified flashes. Eleven of the 34 flashes initiated from tall human-made objects (e.g., communication towers). In at least six lightning flashes, the NLDN detected a return stroke from the cloud back to the tower and not the initial upward leader. This study also discusses lightning's interaction with the human-built environment and provides an example of lightning within heavy snowfall observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16's Geostationary Lightning Mapper.

Characteristics of Lightning within Electrified Snowfall Events using Lightning Mapping Arrays.

PubMed

Schultz, Christopher J; Lang, Timothy J; Bruning, Eric C; Calhoun, Kristin M; Harkema, Sebastian; Curtis, Nathan

2018-02-27

This study examined 34 lightning flashes within four separate thundersnow events derived from lightning mapping arrays (LMAs) in northern Alabama, central Oklahoma, and Washington DC. The goals were to characterize the in-cloud component of each lightning flash, as well as the correspondence between the LMA observations and lightning data taken from national lightning networks like the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN). Individual flashes were examined in detail to highlight several observations within the dataset. The study results demonstrated that the structures of these flashes were primarily normal polarity. The mean area encompassed by this set of flashes is 375 km 2 , with a maximum flash extent of 2300 km 2 , a minimum of 3 km 2 , and a median of 128 km 2 . An average of 2.29 NLDN flashes were recorded per LMA-derived lightning flash. A maximum of 11 NLDN flashes were recorded in association with a single LMA-derived flash on 10 January 2011. Additionally, seven of the 34 flashes in the study contain zero NLDN identified flashes. Eleven of the 34 flashes initiated from tall human-made objects (e.g., communication towers). In at least six lightning flashes, the NLDN detected a return stroke from the cloud back to the tower and not the initial upward leader. This study also discusses lightning's interaction with the human built environment and provides an example of lightning within heavy snowfall observed by GOES-16's Geostationary Lightning Mapper.

Flash Galaxy Cluster Merger, Simulated using the Flash Code, Mass Ratio 1:1

ScienceCinema

None

2018-05-11

Since structure in the universe forms in a bottom-up fashion, with smaller structures merging to form larger ones, modeling the merging process in detail is crucial to our understanding of cosmology. At the current epoch, we observe clusters of galaxies undergoing mergers. It is seen that the two major components of galaxy clusters, the hot intracluster gas and the dark matter, behave very differently during the course of a merger. Using the N-body and hydrodynamics capabilities in the FLASH code, we have simulated a suite of representative galaxy cluster mergers, including the dynamics of both the dark matter, which is collisionless, and the gas, which has the properties of a fluid. 3-D visualizations such as these demonstrate clearly the different behavior of these two components over time. Credits: Science: John Zuhone (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Visualization: Jonathan Gallagher (Flash Center, University of Chicago)

 This research used resources of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility at Argonne National Laboratory, which is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) under contract DE-AC02-06CH11357. This research was supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) Academic Strategic Alliance Program (ASAP).

THE BLUE HOOK POPULATIONS OF MASSIVE GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, Thomas M.; Smith, Ed; Sweigart, Allen V.

2010-08-01

We present new Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet color-magnitude diagrams of five massive Galactic globular clusters: NGC 2419, NGC 6273, NGC 6715, NGC 6388, and NGC 6441. These observations were obtained to investigate the 'blue hook' (BH) phenomenon previously observed in UV images of the globular clusters {omega} Cen and NGC 2808. Blue hook stars are a class of hot (approximately 35,000 K) subluminous horizontal branch stars that occupy a region of the HR diagram that is unexplained by canonical stellar evolution theory. By coupling new stellar evolution models to appropriate non-LTE synthetic spectra, we investigate various theoretical explanations for thesemore » stars. Specifically, we compare our photometry to canonical models at standard cluster abundances, canonical models with enhanced helium (consistent with cluster self-enrichment at early times), and flash-mixed models formed via a late helium-core flash on the white dwarf cooling curve. We find that flash-mixed models are required to explain the faint luminosity of the BH stars, although neither the canonical models nor the flash-mixed models can explain the range of color observed in such stars, especially those in the most metal-rich clusters. Aside from the variation in the color range, no clear trends emerge in the morphology of the BH population with respect to metallicity.« less

Flash Galaxy Cluster Merger, Simulated using the Flash Code, Mass Ratio 1:1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-08-09

Since structure in the universe forms in a bottom-up fashion, with smaller structures merging to form larger ones, modeling the merging process in detail is crucial to our understanding of cosmology. At the current epoch, we observe clusters of galaxies undergoing mergers. It is seen that the two major components of galaxy clusters, the hot intracluster gas and the dark matter, behave very differently during the course of a merger. Using the N-body and hydrodynamics capabilities in the FLASH code, we have simulated a suite of representative galaxy cluster mergers, including the dynamics of both the dark matter, which ismore » collisionless, and the gas, which has the properties of a fluid. 3-D visualizations such as these demonstrate clearly the different behavior of these two components over time. Credits: Science: John Zuhone (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Visualization: Jonathan Gallagher (Flash Center, University of Chicago)

 This research used resources of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility at Argonne National Laboratory, which is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) under contract DE-AC02-06CH11357. This research was supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) Academic Strategic Alliance Program (ASAP).« less

Phenomenology of the sound-induced flash illusion.

PubMed

Abadi, Richard V; Murphy, Jonathan S

2014-07-01

Past studies, using pairings of auditory tones and visual flashes, which were static and coincident in space but variable in time, demonstrated errors in judging the temporal patterning of the visual flashes-the sound-induced flash illusion. These errors took one of the two forms: under-reporting (sound-induced fusion) or over-reporting (sound-induced fission) of the flash numbers. Our study had three objectives: to examine the robustness of both illusions and to consider the effects of stimulus set and response bias. To this end, we used an extended range of fixed spatial location flash-tone pairings, examined stimuli that were variable in space and time and measured confidence in judging flash numbers. Our results indicated that the sound-induced flash illusion is a robust percept, a finding underpinned by the confidence measures. Sound-induced fusion was found to be more robust than sound-induced fission and a most likely outcome when high numbers of flashes were incorporated within an incongruent flash-tone pairing. Conversely, sound-induced fission was the most likely outcome for the flash-tone pairing which contained two flashes. Fission was also shown to be strongly driven by stimuli confounds such as categorical boundary conditions (e.g. flash-tone pairings with ≤2 flashes) and compressed response options. These findings suggest whilst both fission and fusion are associated with 'auditory driving', the differences in the occurrence and strength of the two illusions not only reflect the separate neuronal mechanisms underlying audio and visual signal processing, but also the test conditions that have been used to investigate the sound-induced flash illusion.

On Stellar Flash Echoes from Circular Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemiroff, Robert; Mukherjee, Oindabi

2018-01-01

A flash -- or any episode of variability -- that occurs in the vicinity of a circular ring might be seen several times later, simultaneously, as echoes on the ring. Effective images of the flash are created and annihilated in pairs, with as many as four flash images visible concurrently. Videos detailing sequences of image pair creation, tandem motion, and subsequent image annihilation are shown, given simple opacity and scattering assumptions. It is proven that, surprisingly, images from a second pair creation event always annihilate with images from the first. Caustic surfaces between flash locations yielding two and four images are computed. Although such ring echos surely occur, their practical detection might be difficult as it could require dedicated observing programs involving sensitive photometry of extended objects. Potential flash sources include planetary and interstellar gas and dust rings near and around variable stars, flare stars, novae, supernovae, and GRBs. Potentially recoverable information includes size, distance, temporal history, and angular isotropy of both the ring and flash.

Effect of Flash-Heat Treatment on Antimicrobial Activity of Breastmilk

PubMed Central

Wiedeman, Jean; Buehring, Gertrude; Peerson, Janet M.; Hayfron, Kweku; K'Aluoch, Okumu; Lonnerdal, Bo; Israel-Ballard, Kiersten; Coutsoudis, Anna; Abrams, Barbara

2011-01-01

Abstract Background and Objectives The World Health Organization recommends human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive mothers in resource-poor regions heat-treat expressed breastmilk during periods of increased maternal-to-child transmission risk. Flash-heat, a “low tech” pasteurization method, inactivates HIV, but effects on milk protein bioactivity are unknown. The objectives were to measure flash-heat's effect on antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin, lysozyme, and whole milk and on the digestive resistance of lactoferrin and lysozyme. Methods Flash-heated and unheated breastmilk aliquots from HIV-positive mothers in South Africa were “spiked” with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and then cultured for 0, 3, and 6 hours. Lysozyme and lactoferrin activities were determined by lysis of Micrococcus luteus cells and inhibition of enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, measured spectrophotometrically. Percentages of proteins surviving in vitro digestion, lactoferrin and lysozyme activity, and bacteriostatic activity of whole milk in heated versus unheated samples were compared. Results There was no difference in rate of growth of E. coli or S. aureus in flash-heated versus unheated whole milk (p = 0.61 and p = 0.96, respectively). Mean (95% confidence interval) antibacterial activity of lactoferrin was diminished 11.1% (7.8%, 14.3%) and that of lysozyme by up to 56.6% (47.1%, 64.5%) by flash-heat. Digestion of lysozyme was unaffected (p = 0.12), but 25.4% less lactoferrin survived digestion (p < 0.0001). Conclusions In summary, flash-heat resulted in minimally decreased lactoferrin and moderately decreased lysozyme bioactivity, but bacteriostatic activity of whole milk against representative bacteria was unaffected. This suggests flash-heated breastmilk likely has a similar profile of resistance to bacterial contamination as that of unheated milk. Clinical significance of the decreased bioactivity should be tested in clinical trials. PMID:21091243

NELIOTA: First temperature measurement of lunar impact flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonanos, A. Z.; Avdellidou, C.; Liakos, A.; Xilouris, E. M.; Dapergolas, A.; Koschny, D.; Bellas-Velidis, I.; Boumis, P.; Charmandaris, V.; Fytsilis, A.; Maroussis, A.

2018-04-01

We report the first scientific results from the NELIOTA (NEO Lunar Impacts and Optical TrAnsients) project, which has recently begun lunar monitoring observations with the 1.2-m Kryoneri telescope. NELIOTA aims to detect faint impact flashes produced by near-Earth meteoroids and asteroids and thereby help constrain the size-frequency distribution of near-Earth objects in the decimeter to meter range. The NELIOTA setup, consisting of two fast-frame cameras observing simultaneously in the R and I bands, enables - for the first time - direct analytical calculation of the flash temperatures. We present the first ten flashes detected, for which we find temperatures in the range 1600 to 3100 K, in agreement with theoretical values. Two of these flashes were detected on multiple frames in both filters and therefore yield the first measurements of the temperature drop for lunar flashes. In addition, we compute the impactor masses, which range between 100 g and 50 kg.

Subphotospheric Resonator and Local Oscillations in Sunspots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhugzhda, Yu. D.

2018-05-01

The conditions under which the subphotospheric slow-wave resonator can be responsible for the local oscillations in a sunspot have been determined. A rich spectrum of local 3-min oscillations can be produced by the subphotospheric resonator only if the magnetic field in the resonator magnetic flux tube is much weaker than the surrounding sunspot magnetic field. Convective upflows of hot plasma in the sunspot magnetic field satisfy this condition. Consequently, there must be a correlation between the local oscillations and umbral dots, because the latter are produced by convective flows. Various modes of operation of the subphotospheric resonator give rise to wave packets of 3-min oscillations and umbral flashes. It is shown that giant local umbral flashes can emerge under certain conditions for the excitation of oscillations in the subphotospheric resonator.

FLASH Technology: Full-Scale Hospital Waste Water Treatments Adopted in Aceh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rame; Tridecima, Adeodata; Pranoto, Hadi; Moesliem; Miftahuddin

2018-02-01

A Hospital waste water contains a complex mixture of hazardous chemicals and harmful microbes, which can pose a threat to the environment and public health. Some efforts have been carried out in Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (Aceh), Indonesia with the objective of treating hospital waste water effluents on-site before its discharge. Flash technology uses physical and biological pre-treatment, followed by advanced oxidation process based on catalytic ozonation and followed by GAC and PAC filtration. Flash Full-Scale Hospital waste water Treatments in Aceh from different district have been adopted and investigated. Referring to the removal efficiency of macro-pollutants, the collected data demonstrate good removal efficiency of macro-pollutants using Flash technologies. In general, Flash technologies could be considered a solution to the problem of managing hospital waste water.

The thermodynamic cycle models for geothermal power plants by considering the working fluid characteristic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulyana, Cukup; Adiprana, Reza; Saad, Aswad H.; M. Ridwan, H.; Muhammad, Fajar

2016-02-01

The scarcity of fossil energy accelerates the development of geothermal power plant in Indonesia. The main issue is how to minimize the energy loss from the geothermal working fluid so that the power generated can be increased. In some of geothermal power plant, the hot water which is resulted from flashing is flown to injection well, and steam out from turbine is condensed in condenser, while the temperature and pressure of the working fluid is still high. The aim of this research is how the waste energy can be re-used as energy source to generate electric power. The step of the research is started by studying the characteristics of geothermal fluid out from the well head. The temperature of fluid varies from 140°C - 250°C, the pressure is more than 7 bar and the fluid phase are liquid, gas, or mixing phase. Dry steam power plant is selected for vapor dominated source, single or multiple flash power plant is used for dominated water with temperature > 225°C, while the binary power plant is used for low temperature of fluid < 160°C. Theoretically, the process in the power plant can be described by thermodynamic cycle. Utilizing the heat loss of the brine and by considering the broad range of working fluid temperature, the integrated geothermal power plant has been developed. Started with two ordinary single flash power plants named unit 1 and unit 2, with the temperature 250°C resulting power is W1'+W2'. The power is enhanced by utilizing the steam that is out from first stage of the turbine by inputting the steam to the third stage, the power of the plant increase with W1''+W2" or 10% from the original power. By using flasher, the water from unit 1 and 2 is re-flashed at 200°C, and the steam is used to drive the turbine in unit 3, while the water is re-flashed at the temperature170°C and the steam is flown to the same turbine (unit 3) resulting the power of W3+W4. Using the fluid enthalpy, the calculated power of these double and triple flash power plant are 50% of W1+W2. At the last step, the steam out from the turbine of unit 3 with the temperature 150°C is used as a heat source for binary cycle power plant named unit 4, while the hot water from the flasher is used as a heat source for the other binary cycle named unit 5 resulted power W5+W6 or 15% of W1+W2. Using this integrated model the power increased 75% from the original one.

ASA-FTL: An adaptive separation aware flash translation layer for solid state drives

DOE PAGES

Xie, Wei; Chen, Yong; Roth, Philip C

2016-11-03

Here, the flash-memory based Solid State Drive (SSD) presents a promising storage solution for increasingly critical data-intensive applications due to its low latency (high throughput), high bandwidth, and low power consumption. Within an SSD, its Flash Translation Layer (FTL) is responsible for exposing the SSD’s flash memory storage to the computer system as a simple block device. The FTL design is one of the dominant factors determining an SSD’s lifespan and performance. To reduce the garbage collection overhead and deliver better performance, we propose a new, low-cost, adaptive separation-aware flash translation layer (ASA-FTL) that combines sampling, data clustering and selectivemore » caching of recency information to accurately identify and separate hot/cold data while incurring minimal overhead. We use sampling for light-weight identification of separation criteria, and our dedicated selective caching mechanism is designed to save the limited RAM resource in contemporary SSDs. Using simulations of ASA-FTL with both real-world and synthetic workloads, we have shown that our proposed approach reduces the garbage collection overhead by up to 28% and the overall response time by 15% compared to one of the most advanced existing FTLs. We find that the data clustering using a small sample size provides significant performance benefit while only incurring a very small computation and memory cost. In addition, our evaluation shows that ASA-FTL is able to adapt to the changes in the access pattern of workloads, which is a major advantage comparing to existing fixed data separation methods.« less

Chromatic induction in space and time.

PubMed

Coia, Andrew J; Shevell, Steven K

2018-04-01

The color appearance of a light depends on variation in the complete visual field over both space and time. In the spatial domain, a chromatic stimulus within a patterned chromatic surround can appear a different hue than the same stimulus within a uniform surround. In the temporal domain, a stimulus presented as an element of a continuously changing chromaticity can appear a different color compared to the identical stimulus, presented simultaneously but viewed alone. This is the flash-lag effect for color, which has an analog in the domain of motion: a pulsed object seen alone can appear to lag behind an identical pulsed object that is an element of a motion sequence. Studies of the flash-lag effect for motion have considered whether it is mediated by a neural representation for the moving physical stimulus or, alternatively, for the perceived motion. The current study addresses this question for the flash-lag effect for color by testing whether the color flash lag depends on a representation of only the changing chromatic stimulus or, alternatively, its color percept, which can be altered by chromatic induction. baseline measurements for spatial chromatic induction determined the chromaticity of a flashed ring within a uniform surround that matched a flashed ring within a patterned surround. Baseline measurements for the color flash-lag effect determined the chromaticity of a pulsed ring presented alone (within a uniform surround) that matched a pulsed ring presented in a sequence of changing chromaticity over time (also within a uniform surround). Finally, the main experiments combined chromatic induction from a patterned surround and the flash-lag effect, in three conditions: (1) both the changing and pulsed rings were within a patterned chromatic surround; (2) the changing ring was within a patterned surround and the pulsed ring within a uniform surround; and (3) the changing ring was within a uniform surround and the pulsed ring within a patterned surround. the flash-lag measurements for a changing chromaticity were affected by perceptual changes induced by the surrounding chromatic pattern. Thus, the color shifts induced by a chromatic surround are incorporated in the neural representation mediating the flash-lag effect for color.

Critical Review of Industrial Techniques for Thermal-Conductivity Measurements of Thermal Insulation Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammerschmidt, Ulf; Hameury, Jacques; Strnad, Radek; Turzó-Andras, Emese; Wu, Jiyu

2015-07-01

This paper presents a critical review of current industrial techniques and instruments to measure the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation materials, especially those insulations that can operate at temperatures above and up to . These materials generally are of a porous nature. The measuring instruments dealt with here are selected based on their maximum working temperature that should be higher than at least . These instruments are special types of the guarded hot-plate apparatus, the guarded heat-flow meter, the transient hot-wire and hot-plane instruments as well as the laser/xenon flash devices. All technical characteristics listed are quoted from the generally accessible information of the relevant manufacturers. The paper includes rankings of the instruments according to their standard retail price, the maximum sample size, and maximum working temperature, as well as the minimum in their measurement range.

Flash Floods Simulation using a Physical-Based Hydrological Model at Different Hydroclimatic Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saber, Mohamed; Kamil Yilmaz, Koray

2016-04-01

Currently, flash floods are seriously increasing and affecting many regions over the world. Therefore, this study will focus on two case studies; Wadi Abu Subeira, Egypt as arid environment, and Karpuz basin, Turkey as Mediterranean environment. The main objective of this work is to simulate flash floods at both catchments considering the hydrometeorological differences between them which in turn effect their flash flood behaviors. An integrated methodology incorporating Hydrological River Basin Environmental Assessment Model (Hydro-BEAM) and remote sensing observations was devised. Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMAP) were compared with the rain gauge network at the target basins to estimate the bias in an effort to further use it effectively in simulation of flash floods. Based on the preliminary results of flash floods simulation on both basins, we found that runoff behaviors of flash floods are different due to the impacts of climatology, hydrological and topographical conditions. Also, the simulated surface runoff hydrographs are reasonably coincide with the simulated ones. Consequently, some mitigation strategies relying on this study could be introduced to help in reducing the flash floods disasters at different climate regions. This comparison of different climatic basins would be a reasonable implication for the potential impact of climate change on the flash floods frequencies and occurrences.

Increasing Efficiency by Maximizing Electrical Output

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-27

in a few limited areas, one being a geothermal flash plant at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. But, there are few other heat to electricity...generation sources (but, closest to geothermal because of the lack of combustion and the maintenance issues involved with combustion). [11] Clearly, a...of Energy Resources Technology, March 2009, Vol. 131 [4] “The Chena Hot Springs 400kW Geothermal Power Plant: Experience Gained During the First

An Intervention to Control Vasomotor Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Michael A. Diefenbach, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION...Control Vasomotor Symptoms for Advanced PC Patients on Hormone Therapy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0604 5c...NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Vasomotor Symptom (Hot Flashes) is a common side-effect of hormone therapy for prostate cancer survivors who experience a rising

Gonadal hormone levels and platelet tryptophan and serotonin concentrations in perimenopausal women with or without depressive symptoms.

PubMed

Flores-Ramos, Mónica; Moreno, Julia; Heinze, Gerhard; Aguilera-Pérez, Rafael; Pellicer Graham, Francisco

2014-03-01

The etiology of depressive symptoms associated with the transition to menopause is still unknown; hormonal changes, serotonergic system or insomnia, could be a trigger to depressive symptomatology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gonadal hormonal levels, platelet serotonin concentrations and platelet tryptophan concentrations in a group of depressed perimenopausal women and their healthy counterparts. A total of 63 perimenopausal women between 45 and 55 years old were evaluated; of these, 44 were depressed patients, and 19 were perimenopausal women without depression. The instruments that were applied included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Green Climacteric Scale (GCS); gonadal hormone levels and platelet tryptophan and serotonin concentrations were measured in all participants. Differences in hormonal levels and tryptophan and serotonin concentrations were evaluated with respect to specific symptoms, such as insomnia, hot flashes, nervousness, depressed mood and loss of interest. No differences between groups were observed with respect to hormonal levels and tryptophan and serotonin concentrations; mean sleep hours and insomnia were significantly correlated with platelet tryptophan concentrations. In this sample, all symptoms of depression could not be explained by platelet tryptophan and serotonin concentrations and hormonal levels; differences were observed only when we evaluated insomnia and hot flashes.

Push the flash floating gate memories toward the future low energy application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Della Marca, V.; Just, G.; Regnier, A.; Ogier, J.-L.; Simola, R.; Niel, S.; Postel-Pellerin, J.; Lalande, F.; Masoero, L.; Molas, G.

2013-01-01

In this paper the energy consumption of flash floating gate cell, during a channel hot electron operation, is investigated. We characterize the device using different ramp and box pulses on control gate, to find the best solution to have low energy consumption and good cell performances. We use a new dynamic method to measure the drain current absorption in order to evaluate the impact of different bias conditions, and to study the cell behavior. The programming window and the energy consumption are considered as fundamental parameters. Using this dynamic technique, three zones of work are found; it is possible to optimize the drain voltage during the programming operation to minimize the energy consumption. Moreover, the cell's performances are improved using the CHISEL effect, with a reverse body bias. After the study concerning the programming pulses adjusting, we show the results obtained by increasing the channel doping dose parameter. Considering a channel hot electron programming operation, it is important to focus our attention on the bitline leakage consumption contribution. We measured it for the unselected bitline cells, and we show the effects of the lightly doped drain implantation energy on the leakage current. In this way the impact of gate induced drain leakage in band-to-band tunneling regime decreases, improving the cell's performances in a memory array.

Development of guidelines for permitted left-turn phasing using flashing yellow arrows : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

The objective of this project was to develop guidelines for time-of-day use of permitted left-turn phasing, : which can then be implemented using flashing yellow arrows (FYA). This required determining how the risk : for left-turn crashes varied as t...

Regional Differences in Tropical Lightning Distributions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boccippio, Dennis J.; Goodman, Steven J.; Heckman, Stan

2000-12-01

Observations from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)-based Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) are analyzed for variability between land and ocean, various geographic regions, and different (objectively defined) convective `regimes.' The bulk of the order-of-magnitude differences between land and ocean regional flash rates are accounted for by differences in storm spacing (density) and/or frequency of occurrence, rather than differences in storm instantaneous flash rates, which only vary by a factor of 2 on average. Regional variability in cell density and cell flash rates closely tracks differences in 85-GHz microwave brightness temperatures. Monotonic relationships are found with the gross moist stability of the tropical atmosphere, a large-scale `adjusted state' parameter. This result strongly suggests that it will be possible, using TRMM observations, to objectively test numerical or theoretical predictions of how mesoscale convective organization interacts with the larger-scale environment. Further parameters are suggested for a complete objective definition of tropical convective regimes.

New stimulation pattern design to improve P300-based matrix speller performance at high flash rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polprasert, Chantri; Kukieattikool, Pratana; Demeechai, Tanee; Ritcey, James A.; Siwamogsatham, Siwaruk

2013-06-01

Objective. We propose a new stimulation pattern design for the P300-based matrix speller aimed at increasing the minimum target-to-target interval (TTI). Approach. Inspired by the simplicity and strong performance of the conventional row-column (RC) stimulation, the proposed stimulation is obtained by modifying the RC stimulation through alternating row and column flashes which are selected based on the proposed design rules. The second flash of the double-flash components is then delayed for a number of flashing instants to increase the minimum TTI. The trade-off inherited in this approach is the reduced randomness within the stimulation pattern. Main results. We test the proposed stimulation pattern and compare its performance in terms of selection accuracy, raw and practical bit rates with the conventional RC flashing paradigm over several flash rates. By increasing the minimum TTI within the stimulation sequence, the proposed stimulation has more event-related potentials that can be identified compared to that of the conventional RC stimulations, as the flash rate increases. This leads to significant performance improvement in terms of the letter selection accuracy, the raw and practical bit rates over the conventional RC stimulation. Significance. These studies demonstrate that significant performance improvement over the RC stimulation is obtained without additional testing or training samples to compensate for low P300 amplitude at high flash rate. We show that our proposed stimulation is more robust to reduced signal strength due to the increased flash rate than the RC stimulation.

Non-invasive online wavelength measurements at FLASH2 and present benchmark

PubMed Central

Braune, Markus; Buck, Jens; Kuhlmann, Marion; Grunewald, Sören; Düsterer, Stefan; Viefhaus, Jens; Tiedtke, Kai

2018-01-01

At FLASH2, the free-electron laser radiation wavelength is routinely measured by an online spectrometer based on photoionization of gas targets. Photoelectrons are detected with time-of-flight spectrometers and the wavelength is determined by means of well known binding energies of the target species. The wavelength measurement is non-invasive and transparent with respect to running user experiments due to the low gas pressure applied. Sophisticated controls for setting the OPIS operation parameters have been created and integrated into the distributed object-oriented control system at FLASH2. Raw and processed data can be stored on request in the FLASH data acquisition system for later correlation with data from user experiments or re-analysis. In this paper, the commissioning of the instrument at FLASH2 and the challenges of space charge effects on wavelength determination are reported. Furthermore, strategies for fast data reduction and online data processing are presented. PMID:29271744

Spectroscopic Analyses of the "Blue Hook" Stars in Omega Centauri: A Test of the Late Hot Flasher Scenario

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moehler, S.; Sweigart, Allan V.; Landsman, W. B.; Dreizler, S.; Rabin, Douglas M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

(Omega) Cen contains the largest population of very hot horizontal branch (HB) stars known in a globular cluster. Recent UV observations (Whitney et al. 1998; D'Cruz et al. 2000) show a significant population of hot stars below the zero-age horizontal branch ("blue hook" stars), which cannot be explained by canonical stellar evolution. Stars which suffer unusually large mass loss on the red giant branch and thus experience the helium core flash while descending the white dwarf cooling curve could populate this region. Theory predicts that these "late hot flashers" should show higher temperatures than the hottest canonical HB stars and should have helium- and carbon-rich atmospheres. We obtained and analysed medium resolution spectra of a sample of blue hook stars to derive their atmospheric parameters. The blue hook stars are indeed both hotter (T(sub eff)>35,000 K) and more helium-rich than classical extreme HB stars. In addition we find indications for a large enhancement of the carbon abundance relative to the cluster abundance.

Shock compression and flash-heating of molecular adsorbates on the picosecond time scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, Christopher Michael

An ultrafast nonlinear coherent laser spectroscopy termed broadband multiplex vibrational sum-frequency generation (SFG) with nonresonant suppression was employed to monitor vibrational transitions of molecular adsorbates on metallic substrates during laser-driven shock compression and flash-heating. Adsorbates were in the form of well-ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and included molecular explosive simulants, such as nitroaromatics, and long chain-length alkanethiols. Based on reflectance measurements of the metallic substrates, femtosecond flash-heating pulses were capable of producing large-amplitude temperature jumps with DeltaT = 500 K. Laser-driven shock compression of SAMs produced pressures up to 2 GPa, where 1 GPa ≈ 1 x 104 atm. Shock pressures were estimated via comparison with frequency shifts observed in the monolayer vibrational transitions during hydrostatic pressure measurements in a SiC anvil cell. Molecular dynamics during flash-heating and shock loading were probed with vibrational SFG spectroscopy with picosecond temporal resolution and sub-nanometer spatial resolution. Flash-heating studies of 4-nitrobenzenethiolate (NBT) on Au provided insight into effects from hot-electron excitation of the molecular adsorbates at early pump-probe delay times. At longer delay times, effects from the excitation of SAM lattice modes and lower-energy NBT vibrations were shown. In addition, flash-heating studies of alkanethiolates demonstrated chain disordering behaviors as well as interface thermal conductances across the Au-SAM junction, which was of specific interest within the context of molecular electronics. Shock compression studies of molecular explosive simulants, such as 4-nitrobenzoate (NBA), demonstrated the proficiency of this technique to observe shock-induced molecular dynamics, in this case orientational dynamics, on the picosecond time scale. Results validated the utilization of these refined shock loading techniques to probe the shock initiation or first bond-breaking reactions in molecular explosives such as delta-HMX: a necessary study for the development of safer and more effective energetic materials.

[Comparison between manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture for hot flashes and sex hormone of perimenopausal syndrome].

PubMed

Cao, Zhiliang; Tang, Jian; Xue, Yuting; Wang, Qiong; Li, Saiqun; Zhou, Youjun; Zhang, Wei

2017-03-12

To compare the effect and differences sex the influence of hormone levels of perimenopau-sal syndrome patients between manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA). A total of 50 cases with perimenopausal syndrome were randomly assigned into an manual acupuncture group (27 cases) and an EA group (23 cases), and 1 case dropped in the EA group. The acupoints in the two groups were Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Tianshu (ST 25), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). Acupuncture with 3-time small and even manipulation of lifting, thrusting and twirling was used in the acupuncture group, once 10 min. EA with sparse-dense wave and 10 Hz/50 Hz was applied in the EA group for 30 min. The treatments in the two groups were for continuous 8 weeks (24 times in total), once the other day, 3 times a week. The scores of 24-hour hot flashes even, menopausal rating scale (MRS) and menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL) were recorded before treatment and after 4-week and 8-week treatment, as well as 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. Serum sex hormone levels were tested before and after 8-week treatment as well as 12 weeks after treatment, including serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estracliol (E 2 ). Compared with those before treatment, the 24-hour hot flashes even score, MRS and MENQOL scores were significantly lower after 4-week and 8-week treatments, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment (all P <0.05). All the above scores after 8-week treatment were lower than those after 4-week treatment (all P <0.05); and the scores 12 and 24 weeks after treatment were lower than those after 4-week and 8-week treatments (all P <0.05); all the scores after treatment were not significantly different at any time between the two groups (all P >0.05). Compared with those before treatment, serum FSH and E 2 apparently improved in the two groups after 8-week treatment and 12 weeks after treatment (all P <0.05). LH levels did not significantly change in the two groups (all P >0.05). All the serum sex hormone levels showed no significant difference between the two groups (all P >0.05). Both acupuncture and EA can improve perimenopausal symptoms and serum sex hormone. The effects are similar.

Optimization of Thixoforging Parameters for C70S6 Steel Connecting Rods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özkara, İsa Metin; Baydoğan, Murat

2016-11-01

A microalloyed steel, C70S6, with a solidification interval of 1390-1479 °C, was thixoforged in the semisolid state in a closed die at temperatures in the range 1400-1475 °C to form a 1/7 scaled-down model of a passenger vehicle connecting rod. Die design and an optimized thixoforging temperature eliminated the excessive flash and other problems during forging. Tension test samples from connecting rods thixoforged at the optimum temperature of 1440 °C exhibited nearly the same hardness, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength as conventional hot forged samples but ductility decreased by about 45% due to grain boundary ferrite network formed during cooling from the thixoforging temperature. Thus, C70S6-grade steel can be thixoforged at 1440 °C to form flash-free connecting rods. This conclusion was also validated using FEA analysis.

Numerical design of a magnetized turbulence experiment at the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feister, Scott; Tzeferacos, Petros; Meinecke, Jena; Bott, Archie; Caprioli, Damiano; Laune, Jt; Bell, Tony; Casner, Alexis; Koenig, Michel; Li, Chikang; Miniati, Francesco; Petrasso, Richard; Remington, Bruce; Reville, Brian; Ross, J. Steven; Ryu, Dongsu; Ryutov, Dmitri; Sio, Hong; Turnbull, David; Zylstra, Alex; Schekochihin, Alexander; Froula, Dustin; Park, Hye-Sook; Lamb, Don; Gregori, Gianluca

2017-10-01

The origin and amplification of magnetic fields remains an active astrophysical research topic. We discuss design (using three-dimensional FLASH simulations) of a magnetized turbulence experiment at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). NIF lasers drive together two counter-propagating plasma flows to form a hot, turbulent plasma at the center. In the simulations, plasma temperatures are high enough to reach super-critical values of magnetic Reynolds number (Rm). Biermann battery seed magnetic fields (generated during laser-target interaction) are advected into the turbulent region and amplified by fluctuation dynamo in the above-unity Prandtl number regime. Plasma diagnostics are modeled with FLASH for planning and direct comparison with NIF experimental data. This work was supported in part at the University of Chicago by the DOE NNSA, the DOE Office of Science, and the NSF. The numerical simulations were conducted at ALCF's Mira under the auspices of the DOE Office of Science ALCC program.

Flash ionization signature in coherent cyclotron emission from brown dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorgul, I.; Helling, Ch.

2016-05-01

Brown dwarfs (BDs) form mineral clouds in their atmospheres, where charged particles can produce large-scale discharges in the form of lightning resulting in substantial sudden increase of local ionization. BDs are observed to emit cyclotron radio emission. We show that signatures of strong transient atmospheric ionization events (flash ionization) can be imprinted on a pre-existing radiation. Detection of such flash ionization events will open investigations into the ionization state and atmospheric dynamics. Such events can also result from explosion shock waves, material outbursts or (volcanic) eruptions. We present an analytical model that describes the modulation of a pre-existing electromagnetic radiation by a time-dependent (flash) conductivity that is characteristic for flash ionization events like lightning. Our conductivity model reproduces the conductivity function derived from observations of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, and is applicable to astrophysical objects with strong temporal variations in the local ionization, as in planetary atmospheres and protoplanetary discs. We show that the field responds with a characteristic flash-shaped pulse to a conductivity flash of intermediate intensity. More powerful ionization events result in smaller variations of the initial radiation, or in its damping. We show that the characteristic damping of the response field for high-power initial radiation carries information about the ionization flash magnitude and duration. The duration of the pulse amplification or the damping is consistently shorter for larger conductivity variations and can be used to evaluate the intensity of the flash ionization. Our work suggests that cyclotron emission could be probe signals for electrification processes inside BD atmosphere.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis evaluated by FDG PET.

PubMed

Li, Yuxin; Berenji, Gholam R

2011-07-01

A 50-year-old man presented with initial complaints of diffuse skin pain and pruritus. Physical examination revealed scattered skin plaques and subcutaneous nodules with mild tenderness throughout the body. Skin biopsy demonstrated noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Patient soon developed cough, fever with hot flashes, and shortness of breath on exertion. FDG PET/CT demonstrated diffuse cutaneous involvement throughout the body. Follow-up FDG PET/CT after treatment revealed a decrease in FDG uptake suggesting a good response to therapy.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for symptoms of menopausal transition: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Liu, Zhishun; Wang, Yang; Xu, Huanfang; Wu, Jiani; He, Liyun; Jiang, John Yi; Yan, Shiyan; Du, Ruosang; Liu, Baoyan

2014-06-21

Previous studies have shown that acupuncture can alleviate postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, but few studies have assessed symptoms during the menopausal transition (MT) period. Thus, the effect of acupuncture upon MT symptoms is unclear. We designed a large-scale trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of electroacupuncture for MT symptoms compared with sham electroacupuncture and at observing the safety of electroacupuncture. In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 360 women will be randomized to either an electroacupuncture group or a sham electroacupuncture group. During the 8-week-long treatment, a menopause rating scale, average 24-hour hot flash score, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire score, and level of female hormones will be observed. Follow-ups at the 20th and 32nd week will be made. Though there is no completely inert placebo acupuncture and blinding is difficult in acupuncture trials, the placebo effect of EA can still be partially excluded in this study. For the placebo control, we use non-points and a tailor-made sham needle. This needle is different from a retractable needle, which is usually used for sham acupuncture. The needle in this trial is more simply constructed and more acceptable to Chinese people. We expect to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture for MT symptoms and clarify its effect on these symptoms. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01849172 (Date of registration: 05/05/2013).

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: long-term safety and patient outcomes

PubMed Central

Ahmadi, Hamed; Daneshmand, Siamak

2014-01-01

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) constitutes the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced tumors, recurrent or metastatic disease. Given its widespread use, clinicians should be familiar with common side effects of this treatment. This review focuses on common side effects of ADT and available treatment options to control the side effects. Also, it briefly compares continuous ADT with other therapeutic approaches for androgen deprivation in prostate cancer patients. Similar to hormonal medications, newer non-hormonal therapeutic options including gabapentin and acupuncture have at best moderate effect in controlling hot flashes in patients on ADT. Supervised and/or home exercise programs significantly improve ADT-related fatigue, metabolic/cardiovascular side effects, and cognitive dysfunction. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANK-L, is more effective than bisphosphonates in preventing skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic or castrate-resistant prostate cancer and unlike bisphosphonates, it can also reduce the risk of vertebral fractures in men receiving ADT for non-metastatic prostate cancer. Toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor inhibitor, has dual beneficial effects on ADT-related osteoporosis and metabolic dysfunction. Metformin coupled with lifestyle modification is also a well-tolerated treatment for metabolic changes during ADT. While producing similar oncological outcomes, intermittent ADT is associated with higher quality of life in patients under ADT by improving bone health, less metabolic and hematologic complications, and fewer hot flashes and sexual dysfunction events. PMID:25045284

The changing face of P300 BCIs: a comparison of stimulus changes in a P300 BCI involving faces, emotion, and movement.

PubMed

Jin, Jing; Allison, Brendan Z; Kaufmann, Tobias; Kübler, Andrea; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Xingyu; Cichocki, Andrzej

2012-01-01

One of the most common types of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) is called a P300 BCI, since it relies on the P300 and other event-related potentials (ERPs). In the canonical P300 BCI approach, items on a monitor flash briefly to elicit the necessary ERPs. Very recent work has shown that this approach may yield lower performance than alternate paradigms in which the items do not flash but instead change in other ways, such as moving, changing colour or changing to characters overlaid with faces. The present study sought to extend this research direction by parametrically comparing different ways to change items in a P300 BCI. Healthy subjects used a P300 BCI across six different conditions. Three conditions were similar to our prior work, providing the first direct comparison of characters flashing, moving, and changing to faces. Three new conditions also explored facial motion and emotional expression. The six conditions were compared across objective measures such as classification accuracy and bit rate as well as subjective measures such as perceived difficulty. In line with recent studies, our results indicated that the character flash condition resulted in the lowest accuracy and bit rate. All four face conditions (mean accuracy >91%) yielded significantly better performance than the flash condition (mean accuracy = 75%). Objective results reaffirmed that the face paradigm is superior to the canonical flash approach that has dominated P300 BCIs for over 20 years. The subjective reports indicated that the conditions that yielded better performance were not considered especially burdensome. Therefore, although further work is needed to identify which face paradigm is best, it is clear that the canonical flash approach should be replaced with a face paradigm when aiming at increasing bit rate. However, the face paradigm has to be further explored with practical applications particularly with locked-in patients.

Analysis of warm season thunderstorms using an object-oriented tracking method based on radar and total lightning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigo, T.; Pineda, N.; Bech, J.

2010-09-01

Monitoring thunderstorms activity is an essential part of operational weather surveillance given their potential hazards, including lightning, hail, heavy rainfall, strong winds or even tornadoes. This study has two main objectives: firstly, the description of a methodology, based on radar and total lightning data to characterise thunderstorms in real-time; secondly, the application of this methodology to 66 thunderstorms that affected Catalonia (NE Spain) in the summer of 2006. An object-oriented tracking procedure is employed, where different observation data types generate four different types of objects (radar 1-km CAPPI reflectivity composites, radar reflectivity volumetric data, cloud-to-ground lightning data and intra-cloud lightning data). In the framework proposed, these objects are the building blocks of a higher level object, the thunderstorm. The methodology is demonstrated with a dataset of thunderstorms whose main characteristics, along the complete life cycle of the convective structures (development, maturity and dissipation), are described statistically. The development and dissipation stages present similar durations in most cases examined. On the contrary, the duration of the maturity phase is much more variable and related to the thunderstorm intensity, defined here in terms of lightning flash rate. Most of the activity of IC and CG flashes is registered in the maturity stage. In the development stage little CG flashes are observed (2% to 5%), while for the dissipation phase is possible to observe a few more CG flashes (10% to 15%). Additionally, a selection of thunderstorms is used to examine general life cycle patterns, obtained from the analysis of normalized (with respect to thunderstorm total duration and maximum value of variables considered) thunderstorm parameters. Among other findings, the study indicates that the normalized duration of the three stages of thunderstorm life cycle is similar in most thunderstorms, with the longest duration corresponding to the maturity stage (approximately 80% of the total time).

Measuring and Estimating Normalized Contrast in Infrared Flash Thermography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay M.

2013-01-01

Infrared flash thermography (IRFT) is used to detect void-like flaws in a test object. The IRFT technique involves heating up the part surface using a flash of flash lamps. The post-flash evolution of the part surface temperature is sensed by an IR camera in terms of pixel intensity of image pixels. The IR technique involves recording of the IR video image data and analysis of the data using the normalized pixel intensity and temperature contrast analysis method for characterization of void-like flaws for depth and width. This work introduces a new definition of the normalized IR pixel intensity contrast and normalized surface temperature contrast. A procedure is provided to compute the pixel intensity contrast from the camera pixel intensity evolution data. The pixel intensity contrast and the corresponding surface temperature contrast differ but are related. This work provides a method to estimate the temperature evolution and the normalized temperature contrast from the measured pixel intensity evolution data and some additional measurements during data acquisition.

Uncertainty Quantification For Physical and Numerical Diffusion Models In Inertial Confinement Fusion Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rana, Verinder S.

This thesis concerns simulations of Inertial Confinement Fusion. Inertial confinement is carried out in a large scale facility at National Ignition Facility. The experiments have failed to reproduce design calculations, and so uncertainty quantification of calculations is an important asset. Uncertainties can be classified as aleatoric or epistemic. This thesis is concerned with aleatoric uncertainty quantification. Among the many uncertain aspects that affect the simulations, we have narrowed our study of possible uncertainties. The first source of uncertainty we present is the amount of pre-heating of the fuel done by hot electrons. The second source of uncertainty we consider is the effect of the algorithmic and physical transport diffusion and their effect on the hot spot thermodynamics. Physical transport mechanisms play an important role for the entire duration of the ICF capsule, so modeling them correctly becomes extremely vital. In addition, codes that simulate material mixing introduce numerical (algorithmically) generated transport across the material interfaces. This adds another layer of uncertainty in the solution through the artificially added diffusion. The third source of uncertainty we consider is physical model uncertainty. The fourth source of uncertainty we focus on a single localized surface perturbation (a divot) which creates a perturbation to the solution that can potentially enter the hot spot to diminish the thermonuclear environment. Jets of ablator material are hypothesized to enter the hot spot and cool the core, contributing to the observed lower reactions than predicted levels. A plasma transport package, Transport for Inertial Confinement Fusion (TICF) has been implemented into the Radiation Hydrodynamics code FLASH, from the University of Chicago. TICF has thermal, viscous and mass diffusion models that span the entire ICF implosion regime. We introduced a Quantum Molecular Dynamics calibrated thermal conduction model due to Hu for thermal transport. The numerical approximation uncertainties are introduced by the choice of a hydrodynamic solver for a particular flow. Solvers tend to be diffusive at material interfaces and the Front Tracking (FT) algorithm, which is an already available software code in the form of an API, helps to ameliorate such effects. The FT algorithm has also been implemented in FLASH and we use this to study the effect that divots can have on the hot spot properties.

Menstrual Cycle Maintenance and Quality of Life After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Prospective Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-10-01

quality of life of these young patients may be compromised by premature menopause with symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, decreased libido, and vagina dryness. Very little is known about the incidence, onset, time course, and symptomatology of premature menopause induced by breast cancer therapy and virtually nothing is known about its impact on the young survivor’s quality of life . No prospective study heretofore exists. A comprehensive analysis on a large prospective study cohort as proposed herein will

Vitamin Content of Breast Milk From HIV-1–Infected Mothers Before and After Flash-Heat Treatment

PubMed Central

Israel-Ballard, Kiersten A.; Abrams, Barbara F.; Coutsoudis, Anna; Sibeko, Lindiwe N.; Cheryk, Lynn A.; Chantry, Caroline J.

2010-01-01

Background World Health Organization advocates heat treatment of expressed breastmilk (EBM) as one method to reduce postnatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in developing countries. Flash-heat is a simple heat treatment method shown to inactivate cell-free HIV. Objective To determine the effect of flash-heat on vitamin content of milk. Methods Fresh EBM was collected from 50 HIV+ mothers in Durban, South Africa. Mothers washed their hands and then manually expressed 75–150 mL EBM into sterile jars. Milk was aliquoted to unheated controls or flash-heat (50 mL EBM in a glass jar heated in a 450-mL water jacket in an aluminum pan until water boiled, then EBM removed) simulating field conditions with an open flame. Samples were stored at −70°C and then analyzed for the effect of flash-heat on vitamins [A, ascorbic acid, riboflavin (B2), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), folate, and B12]. Results Vitamin A was not significantly affected by flash-heat and vitamins B12 and C and folate increased significantly. Vitamins B2 and B6 were decreased to 59% (95% confidence interval 44 to 81) and 96% (95% confidence interval 92 to 99), respectively, of that found in unheated milk. Conclusions The percentage remaining after flash-heat suggests that most vitamin concentrations are retained after heating. Flash-heat may be a practical and nutritious infant feeding method for mothers in developing countries. PMID:18614920

Don’t make cache too complex: A simple probability-based cache management scheme for SSDs

PubMed Central

Cho, Sangyeun; Choi, Jongmoo

2017-01-01

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have recently become a common storage component in computer systems, and they are fueled by continued bit cost reductions achieved with smaller feature sizes and multiple-level cell technologies. However, as the flash memory stores more bits per cell, the performance and reliability of the flash memory degrade substantially. To solve this problem, a fast non-volatile memory (NVM-)based cache has been employed within SSDs to reduce the long latency required to write data. Absorbing small writes in a fast NVM cache can also reduce the number of flash memory erase operations. To maximize the benefits of an NVM cache, it is important to increase the NVM cache utilization. In this paper, we propose and study ProCache, a simple NVM cache management scheme, that makes cache-entrance decisions based on random probability testing. Our scheme is motivated by the observation that frequently written hot data will eventually enter the cache with a high probability, and that infrequently accessed cold data will not enter the cache easily. Owing to its simplicity, ProCache is easy to implement at a substantially smaller cost than similar previously studied techniques. We evaluate ProCache and conclude that it achieves comparable performance compared to a more complex reference counter-based cache-management scheme. PMID:28358897

Don't make cache too complex: A simple probability-based cache management scheme for SSDs.

PubMed

Baek, Seungjae; Cho, Sangyeun; Choi, Jongmoo

2017-01-01

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have recently become a common storage component in computer systems, and they are fueled by continued bit cost reductions achieved with smaller feature sizes and multiple-level cell technologies. However, as the flash memory stores more bits per cell, the performance and reliability of the flash memory degrade substantially. To solve this problem, a fast non-volatile memory (NVM-)based cache has been employed within SSDs to reduce the long latency required to write data. Absorbing small writes in a fast NVM cache can also reduce the number of flash memory erase operations. To maximize the benefits of an NVM cache, it is important to increase the NVM cache utilization. In this paper, we propose and study ProCache, a simple NVM cache management scheme, that makes cache-entrance decisions based on random probability testing. Our scheme is motivated by the observation that frequently written hot data will eventually enter the cache with a high probability, and that infrequently accessed cold data will not enter the cache easily. Owing to its simplicity, ProCache is easy to implement at a substantially smaller cost than similar previously studied techniques. We evaluate ProCache and conclude that it achieves comparable performance compared to a more complex reference counter-based cache-management scheme.

Flash radiography with 24 GeV/c protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, C. L.; Ables, E.; Alrick, K. R.; Aufderheide, M. B.; Barnes, P. D.; Buescher, K. L.; Cagliostro, D. J.; Clark, D. A.; Clark, D. J.; Espinoza, C. J.; Ferm, E. N.; Gallegos, R. A.; Gardner, S. D.; Gomez, J. J.; Greene, G. A.; Hanson, A.; Hartouni, E. P.; Hogan, G. E.; King, N. S. P.; Kwiatkowski, K.; Liljestrand, R. P.; Mariam, F. G.; Merrill, F. E.; Morgan, D. V.; Morley, K. B.; Mottershead, C. T.; Murray, M. M.; Pazuchanics, P. D.; Pearson, J. E.; Sarracino, J. S.; Saunders, A.; Scaduto, J.; Schach von Wittenau, A. E.; Soltz, R. A.; Sterbenz, S.; Thompson, R. T.; Vixie, K.; Wilke, M. D.; Wright, D. M.; Zumbro, J. D.

2011-05-01

The accuracy of density measurements and position resolution in flash (40 ns) radiography of thick objects with 24 Gev/c protons is investigated. A global model fit to step wedge data is shown to give a good description spanning the periodic table. The parameters obtained from the step wedge data are used to predict transmission through the French Test Object (FTO), a test object of nested spheres, to a precision better than 1%. Multiple trials have been used to show that the systematic errors are less than 2%. Absolute agreement between the average radiographic measurements of the density and the known density is 1%. Spatial resolution has been measured to be 200 μm at the center of the FTO. These data verify expectations of the benefits provided by high energy hadron radiography for thick objects.

Establishing a rainfall threshold for flash flood warnings based on the DFFG method in Yunnan province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, M.; Wang, H.; Chen, Y.; Tang, G.; Hong, Z.; Zhang, K.; Hong, Y.

2017-12-01

Flash floods, one of the deadliest natural hazards worldwide due to their multidisciplinary nature, rank highly in terms of heavy damage and casualties. Such as in the United States, flash flood is the No.1 cause of death and the No. 2 most deadly weather-related hazard among all storm-related hazards, with approximately 100 lives lost each year. According to China Floods and Droughts Disasters Bullet in 2015 (http://www.mwr.gov.cn/zwzc/hygb/zgshzhgb), about 935 deaths per year on average were caused by flash floods from 2000 to 2015, accounting for 73 % of the fatalities due to floods. Therefore, significant efforts have been made toward understanding flash flood processes as well as modeling and forecasting them, it still remains challenging because of their short response time and limited monitoring capacity. This study advances the use of high-resolution Global Precipitation Measurement forecasts (GPMs), disaster data obtained from the government officials in 2011 and 2016, and the improved Distributed Flash Flood Guidance (DFFG) method combining the Distributed Hydrologic Model and Soil Conservation Service Curve Numbers. The objectives of this paper are (1) to examines changes in flash flood occurrence, (2) to estimate the effect of the rainfall spatial variability ,(2) to improve the lead time in flash floods warning and get the rainfall threshold, (3) to assess the DFFG method applicability in Dongchuan catchments, and (4) to yield the probabilistic information about the forecast hydrologic response that accounts for the locational uncertainties of the GPMs. Results indicate: (1) flash flood occurrence increased in the study region, (2) the occurrence of predicted flash floods show high sensitivity to total infiltration and soil water content, (3) the DFFG method is generally capable of making accurate predictions of flash flood events in terms of their locations and time of occurrence, and (4) the accumulative rainfall over a certain time span is an appropriate threshold for flash flood warnings. Finally, the article highlights the importance of accurately simulating the hydrological processes and high-resolution satellite rainfall data on the accurate forecasting of rainfall triggered flash flood events.

FlaME: Flash Molecular Editor - a 2D structure input tool for the web.

PubMed

Dallakian, Pavel; Haider, Norbert

2011-02-01

So far, there have been no Flash-based web tools available for chemical structure input. The authors herein present a feasibility study, aiming at the development of a compact and easy-to-use 2D structure editor, using Adobe's Flash technology and its programming language, ActionScript. As a reference model application from the Java world, we selected the Java Molecular Editor (JME). In this feasibility study, we made an attempt to realize a subset of JME's functionality in the Flash Molecular Editor (FlaME) utility. These basic capabilities are: structure input, editing and depiction of single molecules, data import and export in molfile format. The result of molecular diagram sketching in FlaME is accessible in V2000 molfile format. By integrating the molecular editor into a web page, its communication with the HTML elements on this page is established using the two JavaScript functions, getMol() and setMol(). In addition, structures can be copied to the system clipboard. A first attempt was made to create a compact single-file application for 2D molecular structure input/editing on the web, based on Flash technology. With the application examples presented in this article, it could be demonstrated that the Flash methods are principally well-suited to provide the requisite communication between the Flash object (application) and the HTML elements on a web page, using JavaScript functions.

Status of climacteric symptoms among middle-aged to elderly Japanese women: comparison of general healthy women with women presenting at a menopausal clinic.

PubMed

Ikeda, Toshiyuki; Makita, Kazuya; Ishitani, Ken; Takamatsu, Kiyoshi; Horiguchi, Fumi; Nozawa, Shiro

2005-04-01

To examine the status and characteristics of climacteric symptoms reported by generally healthy middle-aged to elderly women in Japan, those living in Saitama Prefecture were surveyed . The subjects comprised 398 women ranging in age from 40 to <60 years (mean age, 50.5 years). Climacteric symptoms were objectively assessed using the Keio questionnaire. The total scores obtained for the 40 symptoms were used to calculate symptom prevalence and severity. (i) The most frequent symptom was poor memory, reported by 88.7% of the women. (ii) Lumbar-sacral back pain was rated as a severe symptom by the highest percentage of women (15.3%). (iii) The prevalence and severity of poor memory and lumbar-sacral back pain did not differ with menopausal status. (iv) Hot flashes and sweats were slightly higher in peri- and early postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. The present study showed that healthy women who do not consult physicians because of climacteric symptoms are primarily concerned with age-related symptoms, such as poor memory, loss of hair, and forgetfulness.

H-Coal process and plant design

DOEpatents

Kydd, Paul H.; Chervenak, Michael C.; DeVaux, George R.

1983-01-01

A process for converting coal and other hydrocarbonaceous materials into useful and more valuable liquid products. The process comprises: feeding coal and/or other hydrocarbonaceous materials with a hydrogen-containing gas into an ebullated catalyst bed reactor; passing the reaction products from the reactor to a hot separator where the vaporous and distillate products are separated from the residuals; introducing the vaporous and distillate products from the separator directly into a hydrotreater where they are further hydrogenated; passing the residuals from the separator successively through flash vessels at reduced pressures where distillates are flashed off and combined with the vaporous and distillate products to be hydrogenated; transferring the unseparated residuals to a solids concentrating and removal means to remove a substantial portion of solids therefrom and recycling the remaining residual oil to the reactor; and passing the hydrogenated vaporous and distillate products to an atmospheric fractionator where the combined products are fractionated into separate valuable liquid products. The hydrogen-containing gas is generated from sources within the process.

Investigation and process optimization of SONOS cell's drain disturb in 2-transistor structure flash arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhaozhao; Qian, Wensheng; Chen, Hualun; Xiong, Wei; Hu, Jun; Liu, Donghua; Duan, Wenting; Kong, Weiran; Na, Wei; Zou, Shichang

2017-03-01

The mechanism and distribution of drain disturb (DD) are investigated in silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) flash cells. It is shown that DD is the only concern in this paper. First, the distribution of trapped charge in nitride layer is found to be non-localized (trapped in entire nitride layer along the channel) after programming. Likewise, the erase is also non-localized. Then, the main disturb mechanism: Fowler Nordheim tunneling (FNT) has been confirmed in this paper with negligible disturb effect from hot-hole injection (HHI). And then, distribution of DD is confirmed to be non-localized similarly, which denotes that DD exists in entire tunneling oxide (Oxide for short). Next, four process optimization ways are proposed for minimization of DD, and VTH shift is measured. It reveals that optimized lightly doped drain (LDD), halo, and channel implant are required for the fabrication of a robust SONOS cell. Finally, data retention and endurance of the optimized SONOS are demonstrated.

Longitudinal changes in menopausal symptoms comparing women randomized to low-dose oral conjugated estrogens or transdermal estradiol plus micronized progesterone versus placebo: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study.

PubMed

Santoro, Nanette; Allshouse, Amanda; Neal-Perry, Genevieve; Pal, Lubna; Lobo, Rogerio A; Naftolin, Frederick; Black, Dennis M; Brinton, Eliot A; Budoff, Matthew J; Cedars, Marcelle I; Dowling, N Maritza; Dunn, Mary; Gleason, Carey E; Hodis, Howard N; Isaac, Barbara; Magnani, Maureen; Manson, JoAnn E; Miller, Virginia M; Taylor, Hugh S; Wharton, Whitney; Wolff, Erin; Zepeda, Viola; Harman, S Mitchell

2017-03-01

The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of two forms of menopausal hormone therapy in alleviating vasomotor symptoms, insomnia, and irritability in early postmenopausal women during 4 years. A total of 727 women, aged 42 to 58, within 3 years of their final menstrual period, were randomized to receive oral conjugated estrogens (o-CEE) 0.45 mg (n = 230) or transdermal estradiol (t-E2) 50 μg (n = 225; both with micronized progesterone 200 mg for 12 d each mo), or placebos (PBOs; n = 275). Menopausal symptoms were recorded at screening and at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months postrandomization. Differences in proportions of women with symptoms at baseline and at each follow-up time point were compared by treatment arm using exact χ tests in an intent-to-treat analysis. Differences in treatment effect by race/ethnicity and body mass index were tested using generalized linear mixed effects modeling. Moderate to severe hot flashes (from 44% at baseline to 28.3% for PBO, 7.4% for t-E2, and 4.2% for o-CEE) and night sweats (from 35% at baseline to 19% for PBO, 5.3% for t-E2, and 4.7% for o-CEE) were reduced significantly by 6 months in women randomized to either active hormone compared with PBO (P < 0.001 for both symptoms), with no significant differences between the active treatment arms. Insomnia and irritability decreased from baseline to 6 months postrandomization in all groups. There was an intermittent reduction in insomnia in both active treatment arms versus PBO, with o-CEE being more effective than PBO at 36 and 48 months (P = 0.002 and 0.05) and t-E2 being more effective than PBO at 48 months (P = 0.004). Neither hormone treatment significantly affected irritability compared with PBO. Symptom relief for active treatment versus PBO was not significantly modified by body mass index or race/ethnicity. Recently postmenopausal women had similar and substantial reductions in hot flashes and night sweats with lower-than-conventional doses of oral or transdermal estrogen. These reductions were sustained during 4 years. Insomnia was intermittently reduced compared with PBO for both hormone regimens.

Longitudinal Changes in Menopausal Symptoms Comparing Women Randomized to Low-Dose Oral Conjugated Estrogens or Transdermal Estradiol Plus Micronized Progesterone Versus Placebo: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)

PubMed Central

Santoro, Nanette; Allshouse, Amanda; Neal-Perry, Genevieve; Pal, Lubna; Lobo, Rogerio A.; Naftolin, Frederick; Black, Dennis M.; Brinton, Eliot A.; Budoff, Matthew J.; Cedars, Marcelle I.; Dowling, N. Maritza; Dunn, Mary; Gleason, Carey E.; Hodis, Howard N.; Isaac, Barbara; Magnani, Maureen; Manson, JoAnn E.; Miller, Virginia M.; Taylor, Hugh S.; Wharton, Whitney; Wolff, Erin; Zepeda, Viola; Harman, S. Mitchell

2016-01-01

Objective To compare the efficacy of two forms of menopausal hormone therapy in alleviating vasomotor symptoms, insomnia, and irritability in early menopausal women over four years. Methods 727 women, aged 42–58, within three years of their final menstrual period were randomized to receive oral conjugated estrogens (o-CEE) 0.45 mg (n=230) or transdermal estradiol (t-E2) 50mcg (n=225; both with micronized progesterone 200mg for 12 days each month), or placebos (PBO; n=275). Menopausal symptoms were recorded at screening and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post-randomization. Differences in proportions of women with symptoms at baseline and at each followup timepoint were compared by treatment arm using exact chi-square tests in an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Differences in treatment effect by race/ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) were tested using generalized linear mixed effects modeling. Results Moderate-to-severe hot flashes (from 44% at baseline to 28.3% for PBO, 7.4% for t-E2 and 4.2% for o-CEE) and night sweats (from 35% at baseline to 19% for PBO, 5.3% for t-E2 and 4.7% for o-CEE) were reduced significantly by 6 months in women randomized to either active hormone compared to PBO (P<0.001 for both symptoms), with no significant differences between the active treatment arms. Insomnia and irritability decreased from baseline to 6 months post randomization in all groups. There was an intermittent reduction in insomnia in both active treatment arms vs PBO, with o-CEE more effective than PBO at 36 and 48 months (p=0.002mad 0.05) and t-E2 more effective than PBO at 48 months (p=0.004). Neither hormone treatment significantly affected irritability compared to PBO. Symptom relief for active treatment vs PBO was not significantly modified by BMI or race/ethnicity. Conclusions Recently-menopausal women had similar and substantial reductions in hot flashes and night sweats with lower than conventional doses of oral or transdermal estrogen. These reductions were sustained over 4 years. Insomnia was intermittently reduced compared to placebo for both hormone regimens. PMID:27779568

Lunar impact flashes - tracing the NEO size distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avdellidou, Chrysa; Koschny, Detlef; NELIOTA Team

2017-10-01

Almost 20 years ago, we started to monitor the lunar surface with small telescopes to detect light flashes resulting from the hypervelocity collisions of meteoroids. The initial purpose was to understand the flux of impactors on Earth. The estimation of the flux of near Earth Objects (NEOs) is important not only for the protection of the human civilisation (meter-sized, see Chelyabinsk event in 2013), but also for the protection of the space assets (cm-sized objects). Apart from the NEO flux, the lunar surface helps the study of the impact events per se. The European Space Agency (ESA) is directing and funding lunar observations at 1.2 m Kryoneri telescope in Peloponnese, Greece. This telescope is equipped with a dichroic beam-splitter that directs the light onto two sCMOS cameras, that observe in visible and infrared wavelengths, using Rc and Ic Cousin filters respectively. Currently it is the largest telescope in the world that performs dedicated lunar impact flashes observations. We present the first flash observations in two bands, allowing us to measure flash temperatures for the first time. We find that the temperatures have a range that agrees with the theoretical approaches. Since the temperature can now be calculated, we have a more accurate estimation of the impactor’s mass and the size of the radiated ejecta plume.Having the Moon as a large-scale laboratory, new horizons are set towards the understanding of the nature of impacts, the impactor's material type and the energy partitioning, that is a constant puzzle in impact studies. This can now happen as more impact parameters can be determined and combined, such as the impactor’s mass and speed, flash luminosity, radiating volume, crater size when applicable etc. Future statistics can determine the different lunar regolith properties at different impact sites, especially during a meteoroid stream where the impactors share a common origin and possibly composition.

FlaME: Flash Molecular Editor - a 2D structure input tool for the web

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background So far, there have been no Flash-based web tools available for chemical structure input. The authors herein present a feasibility study, aiming at the development of a compact and easy-to-use 2D structure editor, using Adobe's Flash technology and its programming language, ActionScript. As a reference model application from the Java world, we selected the Java Molecular Editor (JME). In this feasibility study, we made an attempt to realize a subset of JME's functionality in the Flash Molecular Editor (FlaME) utility. These basic capabilities are: structure input, editing and depiction of single molecules, data import and export in molfile format. Implementation The result of molecular diagram sketching in FlaME is accessible in V2000 molfile format. By integrating the molecular editor into a web page, its communication with the HTML elements on this page is established using the two JavaScript functions, getMol() and setMol(). In addition, structures can be copied to the system clipboard. Conclusion A first attempt was made to create a compact single-file application for 2D molecular structure input/editing on the web, based on Flash technology. With the application examples presented in this article, it could be demonstrated that the Flash methods are principally well-suited to provide the requisite communication between the Flash object (application) and the HTML elements on a web page, using JavaScript functions. PMID:21284863

HST/WFC3: Understanding and Mitigating Radiation Damage Effects in the CCD Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baggett, S.; Anderson, J.; Sosey, M.; MacKenty, J.; Gosmeyer, C.; Noeske, K.; Gunning, H.; Bourque, M.

2015-09-01

At the heart of the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 (HST/WFC3) UVIS channel resides a 4096x4096 pixel e2v CCD array. While these detectors are performing extremely well after more than 5 years in low-earth orbit, the cumulative effects of radiation damage cause a continual growth in the hot pixel population and a progressive loss in charge transfer efficiency (CTE) over time. The decline in CTE has two effects: (1) it reduces the detected source flux as the defects trap charge during readout and (2) it systematically shifts source centroids as the trapped charge is later released. The flux losses can be significant, particularly for faint sources in low background images. Several mitigation options exist, including target placement within the field of view, empirical stellar photometric corrections, post-flash mode and an empirical pixel-based CTE correction. The application of a post-flash has been remarkably effective in WFC3 at reducing CTE losses in low background images for a relatively small noise penalty. Currently all WFC3 observers are encouraged to post-flash images with low backgrounds. Another powerful option in mitigating CTE losses is the pixel-based CTE correction. Analagous to the CTE correction software currently in use in the HST Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) pipeline, the algorithm employs an empirical observationally-constrained model of how much charge is captured and released in order to reconstruct the image. Applied to images (with or without post-flash) after they are acquired, the software is currently available as a standalone routine. The correction will be incorporated into the standard WFC3 calibration pipeline.

Lightning NOx Statistics Derived by NASA Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) Data Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, William; Peterson, Harold

2013-01-01

What is the LNOM? The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) [Koshak et al., 2009, 2010, 2011; Koshak and Peterson 2011, 2013] analyzes VHF Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) and National Lightning Detection Network(TradeMark) (NLDN) data to estimate the lightning nitrogen oxides (LNOx) produced by individual flashes. Figure 1 provides an overview of LNOM functionality. Benefits of LNOM: (1) Does away with unrealistic "vertical stick" lightning channel models for estimating LNOx; (2) Uses ground-based VHF data that maps out the true channel in space and time to < 100 m accuracy; (3) Therefore, true channel segment height (ambient air density) is used to compute LNOx; (4) True channel length is used! (typically tens of kilometers since channel has many branches and "wiggles"); (5) Distinction between ground and cloud flashes are made; (6) For ground flashes, actual peak current from NLDN used to compute NOx from lightning return stroke; (7) NOx computed for several other lightning discharge processes (based on Cooray et al., 2009 theory): (a) Hot core of stepped leaders and dart leaders, (b) Corona sheath of stepped leader, (c) K-change, (d) Continuing Currents, and (e) M-components; and (8) LNOM statistics (see later) can be used to parameterize LNOx production for regional air quality models (like CMAQ), and for global chemical transport models (like GEOS-Chem).

Exit Presentation: Infrared Thermography on Graphite/Epoxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comeaux, Kayla

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reports on the internship project that was accomplished during the summer of 2010. The objectives of the project were to: (1) Simulate Flash Thermography on Graphite/Epoxy Flat Bottom hole Specimen and thin void specimens, (2) Obtain Flash Thermography data on Graphite/Epoxy flat bottom hole specimens, (3) Compare experimental results with simulation results, Compare Flat Bottom Hole Simulation with Thin Void Simulation to create a graph to determine size of IR Thermography detected defects

Effect of flash-heat treatment on antimicrobial activity of breastmilk.

PubMed

Chantry, Caroline J; Wiedeman, Jean; Buehring, Gertrude; Peerson, Janet M; Hayfron, Kweku; K'Aluoch, Okumu; Lonnerdal, Bo; Israel-Ballard, Kiersten; Coutsoudis, Anna; Abrams, Barbara

2011-06-01

The World Health Organization recommends human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive mothers in resource-poor regions heat-treat expressed breastmilk during periods of increased maternal-to-child transmission risk. Flash-heat, a "low tech" pasteurization method, inactivates HIV, but effects on milk protein bioactivity are unknown. The objectives were to measure flash-heat's effect on antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin, lysozyme, and whole milk and on the digestive resistance of lactoferrin and lysozyme. Flash-heated and unheated breastmilk aliquots from HIV-positive mothers in South Africa were "spiked" with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and then cultured for 0, 3, and 6 hours. Lysozyme and lactoferrin activities were determined by lysis of Micrococcus luteus cells and inhibition of enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, measured spectrophotometrically. Percentages of proteins surviving in vitro digestion, lactoferrin and lysozyme activity, and bacteriostatic activity of whole milk in heated versus unheated samples were compared. There was no difference in rate of growth of E. coli or S. aureus in flash-heated versus unheated whole milk (p = 0.61 and p = 0.96, respectively). Mean (95% confidence interval) antibacterial activity of lactoferrin was diminished 11.1% (7.8%, 14.3%) and that of lysozyme by up to 56.6% (47.1%, 64.5%) by flash-heat. Digestion of lysozyme was unaffected (p = 0.12), but 25.4% less lactoferrin survived digestion (p < 0.0001). In summary, flash-heat resulted in minimally decreased lactoferrin and moderately decreased lysozyme bioactivity, but bacteriostatic activity of whole milk against representative bacteria was unaffected. This suggests flash-heated breastmilk likely has a similar profile of resistance to bacterial contamination as that of unheated milk. Clinical significance of the decreased bioactivity should be tested in clinical trials.

Steam ejector as an industrial heat pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnold, H.G.; Huntley, W.R.; Perez-Blanco, H.

1982-01-01

The steam ejector is analyzed for use in industrial heat recovery applications and compared to mechanical compressor heat pumps. An estimated ejector performance was analyzed using methods based on conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; using steam properties to account for continuity; and using appropriate efficiencies for the nozzle and diffuse performance within the ejector. A potential heat pump application at a paper plant in which waste water was available in a hot well downstream of the paper machine was used to describe use of the stream ejector. Both mechanical compression and jet ejector heat pumps were evaluated for recompressionmore » of flashed steam from the hot well. It is noted that another possible application of vapor recompression heat pumps is the recovery of waste heat from large facilities such as the gaseous diffusion plants. The economics of recovering waste heat in similar applications is analyzed. (MCW)« less

Evolution and nucleosynthesis of extremely metal-poor and metal-free low- and intermediate-mass stars. II. s-process nucleosynthesis during the core He flash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, S. W.; Lugaro, M.; Karakas, A. I.

2010-11-01

Context. Models of primordial and hyper-metal-poor stars that have masses similar to the Sun are known to experience an ingestion of protons into the hot core during the core helium flash phase at the end of their red giant branch evolution. This produces a concurrent secondary flash powered by hydrogen burning that gives rise to further nucleosynthesis in the core. Aims: We aim to model the nucleosynthesis occurring during the proton ingestion event to ascertain if any significant neutron-capture nucleosynthesis occurs. Methods: We perform post-process nucleosynthesis calculations on a one-dimensional stellar evolution calculation of a star with mass 1 M_⊙ and a metallicity of [Fe/H] = -6.5 that suffers a proton ingestion episode. Our network includes 320 nuclear species and 2366 reactions and treats mixing and burning simultaneously. Results: We find that the mixing and burning of protons into the hot convective core leads to the production of 13C, which then burns via the 13C(α, n)16O reaction, releasing a large number of free neutrons. During the first two years of neutron production the neutron poison 14N abundance is low, allowing the prodigious production of heavy elements such as strontium, barium, and lead via slow neutron captures (the s process). These nucleosynthetic products are later carried to the stellar surface and ejected via stellar winds. We compare our results with observations of the hyper-metal-poor halo star HE 1327-2326, which shows a strong Sr overabundance. Conclusions: Our model provides the possibility of self-consistently explaining the Sr overabundance in HE 1327-2326 together with its C, N, and O overabundances (all within a factor of ˜ ~4) if the material were heavily diluted, for example, via mass transfer in a wide binary system. The model produces at least 18 times too much Ba than observed, but this may be within the large modelling uncertainties. In this scenario, binary systems of low mass must have formed in the early Universe. If this is true, it puts constraints on the primordial initial mass function.

Normalized Temperature Contrast Processing in Flash Infrared Thermography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay M.

2016-01-01

The paper presents further development in normalized contrast processing of flash infrared thermography method by the author given in US 8,577,120 B1. The method of computing normalized image or pixel intensity contrast, and normalized temperature contrast are provided, including converting one from the other. Methods of assessing emissivity of the object, afterglow heat flux, reflection temperature change and temperature video imaging during flash thermography are provided. Temperature imaging and normalized temperature contrast imaging provide certain advantages over pixel intensity normalized contrast processing by reducing effect of reflected energy in images and measurements, providing better quantitative data. The subject matter for this paper mostly comes from US 9,066,028 B1 by the author. Examples of normalized image processing video images and normalized temperature processing video images are provided. Examples of surface temperature video images, surface temperature rise video images and simple contrast video images area also provided. Temperature video imaging in flash infrared thermography allows better comparison with flash thermography simulation using commercial software which provides temperature video as the output. Temperature imaging also allows easy comparison of surface temperature change to camera temperature sensitivity or noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) to assess probability of detecting (POD) anomalies.

A global flash flood forecasting system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baugh, Calum; Pappenberger, Florian; Wetterhall, Fredrik; Hewson, Tim; Zsoter, Ervin

2016-04-01

The sudden and devastating nature of flash flood events means it is imperative to provide early warnings such as those derived from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) forecasts. Currently such systems exist on basin, national and continental scales in Europe, North America and Australia but rely on high resolution NWP forecasts or rainfall-radar nowcasting, neither of which have global coverage. To produce global flash flood forecasts this work investigates the possibility of using forecasts from a global NWP system. In particular we: (i) discuss how global NWP can be used for flash flood forecasting and discuss strengths and weaknesses; (ii) demonstrate how a robust evaluation can be performed given the rarity of the event; (iii) highlight the challenges and opportunities in communicating flash flood uncertainty to decision makers; and (iv) explore future developments which would significantly improve global flash flood forecasting. The proposed forecast system uses ensemble surface runoff forecasts from the ECMWF H-TESSEL land surface scheme. A flash flood index is generated using the ERIC (Enhanced Runoff Index based on Climatology) methodology [Raynaud et al., 2014]. This global methodology is applied to a series of flash floods across southern Europe. Results from the system are compared against warnings produced using the higher resolution COSMO-LEPS limited area model. The global system is evaluated by comparing forecasted warning locations against a flash flood database of media reports created in partnership with floodlist.com. To deal with the lack of objectivity in media reports we carefully assess the suitability of different skill scores and apply spatial uncertainty thresholds to the observations. To communicate the uncertainties of the flash flood system output we experiment with a dynamic region-growing algorithm. This automatically clusters regions of similar return period exceedence probabilities, thus presenting the at-risk areas at a spatial resolution appropriate to the NWP system. We then demonstrate how these warning areas could eventually complement existing global systems such as the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS), to give warnings of flash floods. This work demonstrates the possibility of creating a global flash flood forecasting system based on forecasts from existing global NWP systems. Future developments, in post-processing for example, will need to address an under-prediction bias, for extreme point rainfall, that is innate to current-generation global models.

An Algorithm for Obtaining the Distribution of 1-Meter Lightning Channel Segment Altitudes for Application in Lightning NOx Production Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, Harold; Koshak, William J.

2009-01-01

An algorithm has been developed to estimate the altitude distribution of one-meter lightning channel segments. The algorithm is required as part of a broader objective that involves improving the lightning NOx emission inventories of both regional air quality and global chemistry/climate models. The algorithm was tested and applied to VHF signals detected by the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA). The accuracy of the algorithm was characterized by comparing algorithm output to the plots of individual discharges whose lengths were computed by hand; VHF source amplitude thresholding and smoothing were applied to optimize results. Several thousands of lightning flashes within 120 km of the NALMA network centroid were gathered from all four seasons, and were analyzed by the algorithm. The mean, standard deviation, and median statistics were obtained for all the flashes, the ground flashes, and the cloud flashes. One-meter channel segment altitude distributions were also obtained for the different seasons.

[The P300-based brain-computer interface: presentation of the complex "flash + movement" stimuli].

PubMed

Ganin, I P; Kaplan, A Ia

2014-01-01

The P300 based brain-computer interface requires the detection of P300 wave of brain event-related potentials. Most of its users learn the BCI control in several minutes and after the short classifier training they can type a text on the computer screen or assemble an image of separate fragments in simple BCI-based video games. Nevertheless, insufficient attractiveness for users and conservative stimuli organization in this BCI may restrict its integration into real information processes control. At the same time initial movement of object (motion-onset stimuli) may be an independent factor that induces P300 wave. In current work we checked the hypothesis that complex "flash + movement" stimuli together with drastic and compact stimuli organization on the computer screen may be much more attractive for user while operating in P300 BCI. In 20 subjects research we showed the effectiveness of our interface. Both accuracy and P300 amplitude were higher for flashing stimuli and complex "flash + movement" stimuli compared to motion-onset stimuli. N200 amplitude was maximal for flashing stimuli, while for "flash + movement" stimuli and motion-onset stimuli it was only a half of it. Similar BCI with complex stimuli may be embedded into compact control systems requiring high level of user attention under impact of negative external effects obstructing the BCI control.

An Investigation into Digital Media: Characteristics of Learning Objects Which K-12 Teachers Determine Meet Their Instructional Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guthrie, Patricia Ann

2010-01-01

In recent years, learning objects have emerged as an instructional tool for teachers. Digital libraries and collections provide teachers with free or fee-base access to a variety of learning objects from photos and famous speeches to Flash animations and interactive Java Applets. Learning objects offer opportunities for students to interact with…

Musculoskeletal pain among women of menopausal age in Puebla, Mexico.

PubMed

Sievert, Lynnette Leidy; Goode-Null, Susan K

2005-06-01

Worldwide, complaints of musculoskeletal pain are more frequent than complaints of hot flashes amongst women of menopausal age. The purpose of this study was to examine musculoskeletal pain among women of menopausal age in the city of Puebla, Mexico. An opportunity sample was recruited from public parks and markets, with representation from all social classes (n=755). Mean age was 50.1 years, and the majority were employed as saleswomen in small businesses. Symptom frequencies were collected by open-ended interviews and with a structured symptom list that queried symptom experience during the two weeks prior to interview. In response to open-ended questions, "dolores de huesos" (bone pain) was volunteered by 47% of respondents as a symptom associated with menopause, second only to hot flashes (53%). From the structured symptom list, 55.8% and 55.6% reported back pain and joint stiffness during the two weeks prior to interview. Women with back pain and joint stiffness were less likely to report being active during their leisure time (p<.01). The results of backwards stepwise logistic regressions indicate that women with back pain were more likely to be older, with less education, a higher BMI, and ate less meat. Women with joint pain were more likely to be post-menopausal, with less education, more children, a higher BMI, and were likely to drink milk and coffee more than once/week but less than once/day. While menopause is not necessarily a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain, it is important to recognize the pervasiveness of this complaint among women of menopausal age.

The Far-Ultraviolet Spectra of Two Hot PG1159 Stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werner, K.; Rauch, T.; Kruk, J. W.

2016-01-01

PG 1159 stars are hot, hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs with atmospheres mainly composed of helium, carbon, and oxygen. The unusual surface chemistry is the result of a late helium-shell flash. Observed element abundances enable us to test stellar evolution models quantitatively with respect to their nucleosynthesis products formed near the helium-burning shell of the progenitor asymptotic giant branch stars. Because of the high effective temperatures (T(sub eff)), abundance determinations require ultraviolet spectroscopy and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analyses. Up to now, we have presented results for the prototype of this spectral class and two cooler members (T(sub eff) in the range 85,000-140,000 K). Here we report on the results for two even hotter stars (PG 1520+525 and PG 1144+005, both with T(sub eff) = 150,000 K) which are the only two objects in this temperature-gravity region for which useful far-ultraviolet spectra are available, and revisit the prototype star. Previous results on the abundances of some species are confirmed, while results on others (Si, P, S) are revised. In particular, a solar abundance of sulphur is measured in contrast to earlier claims of a strong S deficiency that contradicted stellar evolution models. For the first time, we assess the abundances of Na, Al, andCl with newly constructed non-LTE model atoms. Besides the main constituents (He, C, O), we determine the abundances (or upper limits) of N, F, Ne, Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, and Fe. Generally, good agreement with stellar models is found.

The far-ultraviolet spectra of two hot PG 1159 stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, K.; Rauch, T.; Kruk, J. W.

2016-09-01

PG 1159 stars are hot, hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs with atmospheres mainly composed of helium, carbon, and oxygen. The unusual surface chemistry is the result of a late helium-shell flash. Observed element abundances enable us to test stellar evolution models quantitatively with respect to their nucleosynthesis products formed near the helium-burning shell of the progenitor asymptotic giant branch stars. Because of the high effective temperatures (Teff), abundance determinations require ultraviolet spectroscopy and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analyses. Up to now, we have presented results for the prototype of this spectral class and two cooler members (Teff in the range 85 000-140 000 K). Here we report on the results for two even hotter stars (PG 1520+525 and PG 1144+005, both with Teff = 150 000 K) which are the only two objects in this temperature-gravity region for which useful far-ultraviolet spectra are available, and revisit the prototype star. Previous results on the abundances of some species are confirmed, while results on others (Si, P, S) are revised. In particular, a solar abundance of sulphur is measured in contrast to earlier claims of a strong S deficiency that contradicted stellar evolution models. For the first time, we assess the abundances of Na, Al, and Cl with newly constructed non-LTE model atoms. Besides the main constituents (He, C, O), we determine the abundances (or upper limits) of N, F, Ne, Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, and Fe. Generally, good agreement with stellar models is found.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Ultra-rapid visual categorisation of natural and artifactual objects.

PubMed

VanRullen, R; Thorpe, S J

2001-01-01

Visual processing is known to be very fast in ultra-rapid categorisation tasks where the subject has to decide whether a briefly flashed image belongs to a target category or not. Human subjects can respond in under 400 ms, and event-related-potential studies have shown that the underlying processing can be done in less than 150 ms. Monkeys trained to perform the same task have proved even faster. However, most of these experiments have only been done with biologically relevant target categories such as animals or food. Here we performed the same study on human subjects, alternating between a task in which the target category was 'animal', and a task in which the target category was 'means of transport'. These natural images of clearly artificial objects contained targets as varied as cars, trucks, trains, boats, aircraft, and hot-air balloons. However, the subjects performed almost identically in both tasks, with reaction times not significantly longer in the 'means of transport' task. These reaction times were much shorter than in any previous study on natural-image processing. We conclude that, at least for these two superordinate categories, the speed of ultra-rapid visual categorisation of natural scenes does not depend on the target category, and that this processing could rely primarily on feed-forward, automatic mechanisms.

Search for trans-iron elements in hot, helium-rich white dwarfs with the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyer, D.; Rauch, T.; Werner, K.; Kruk, J. W.

2018-04-01

The metal abundances in the atmospheres of hot white dwarfs (WDs) entering the cooling sequence are determined by the preceding Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) evolutionary phase and, subsequently, by the onset of gravitational settling and radiative levitation. In this paper, we investigate three hot He-rich WDs, which are believed to result from a late He-shell flash. During such a flash, the He-rich intershell matter is dredged up and dominates the surface chemistry. Hence, in contrast to the usual H-rich WDs, their spectra allow direct access to s-process element abundances in the intershell that were synthesized during the AGB stage. In order to look for trans-iron group elements (atomic number Z > 29), we performed a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analysis of new ultraviolet spectra taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. One of our program stars is of PG 1159 spectral type; this star, PG 1707+427, has effective temperature Teff = 85 000 K, and surface gravity logg = 7.5. The two other stars are DO white dwarfs: WD 0111+002 has Teff = 58 000 K and log g = 7.7, and PG 0109+111 has Teff = 70 000 K and log g = 8.0. These stars trace the onset of element diffusion during early WD evolution. While zinc is the only trans-iron element we could detect in the PG 1159 star, both DOs exhibit lines from Zn, Ga, Ge, Se; one additionally exhibits lines from Sr, Sn, Te, and I and the other from As. Generally, the trans-iron elements are very abundant in the DOs, meaning that radiative levitation must be acting. Most extreme is the almost six orders of magnitude oversolar abundance of tellurium in PG 0109+111. In terms of mass fraction, it is the most abundant metal in the atmosphere. The two DOs join the hitherto unique hot DO RE 0503-289, in which 14 trans-iron elements had even been identified. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26666.Based on observations made with the NASA-CNES-CSA Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer.

RET selection on state-of-the-art NAND flash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafferty, Neal V.; He, Yuan; Pei, Jinhua; Shao, Feng; Liu, QingWei; Shi, Xuelong

2015-03-01

We present results generated using a new gauge-based Resolution Enhancement Technique (RET) Selection flow during the technology set up phase of a 3x-node NAND Flash product. As a testcase, we consider a challenging critical level for this ash product. The RET solutions include inverse lithography technology (ILT) optimized masks with sub-resolution assist features (SRAF) and companion illumination sources developed using a new pixel based Source Mask Optimization (SMO) tool that uses measurement gauges as a primary input. The flow includes verification objectives which allow tolerancing of particular measurement gauges based on lithographic criteria. Relative importance for particular gauges may also be set, to aid in down-selection from several candidate sources. The end result is a sensitive, objective score of RET performance. Using these custom-defined importance metrics, decisions on the final RET style can be made in an objective way.

Thermonuclear flashes on hydrogen/helium accreting carbon monoxide white dwarfs and structure of exotic nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Joseph P.

We studied H-shell flashes on CO WDs accreting Hydrogen rich matter in regimes where they are believed to be on the border of stable accretion and of having dynamical mass loss. These systems are believed to be progenitors of SNe Ia, however, there is still some question of what range of accretion rates and WD masses allow for growth to the Chandrasekhar mass, if any do at all. Flashes that result in mass loss are also of interest as they enrich the Inter Stellar Medium. Use of an explicit hydro code has allowed for the observation of a new physical effect from wave dissipation. With our high time resolution, energy transport via waves, and detailed EOS, we found that at the onset of the flash, a reduction in the degeneracy pressure due to electron captures, results in a reduction of the total pressure. With a gravitational acceleration on the order of 108 in the shell, a reduction of the total pressure by 1% results in an in fall acceleration of 10 kms2 . With such a strong in fall, compressional heating results in a hotter flash, with results showing temperatures over a billion degrees in all models. These high temperatures had consequences on the nucleosynthesis, as they allowed for rp-breakout during the flash. The effect of a "double" flash was found in one model. This resulted when the flash stalled in the H-shell, resulting in high temperature burning in only a portion of the shell. Once the H was exhausted in the flash region, cooling occurred and there was contraction of the H exhausted region. This contraction caused an in fall of the un-exhausted region which via compressional heating resulted in the flash to occur in the un-exhausted region. Such an effect may happen in any progenitor system in which the flash stalls and compression afterwards is suitable for a re-start of the flash. This effect may be observable with the current generation of instruments. With the high temperatures found in the flashes, rp-breakout nucleosynthesis was found to occur. Occurrence of rp-nucleosynthesis in these objects may make important sources of the chemical enrichment of isotopes below the iron group that are not know to be synthesized in hydrostatic stellar burning. The existence of rp-breakout in the flashes, shows the importance of nuclear physics in these objects. More precise nuclear reaction rate data are needed for proper energy generation and chemical evolution. With the occurrence of rp-nucleosynthesis in our models, it is especially advantageous to study radioactive proton rich nuclei. These studies are not without many difficulties in the laboratory, as many of the studies require the use of low intensity radioactive beams making clean, high statistic studies difficult. To address this issue, the hybrid target technique was used. This target technique was found to be a great tool for studying resonant proton scattering with exotic beams. It has been used to measure elastic and inelastic excitation functions in the study of 8B via 7Be+p scattering, as well as 12N+p elastic scattering. With such success, the hybrid target technique can be a very useful tool for studying reactions that are important in the rp-process. We have studied the structure of the astrophysically important, radioactive isotope 8B. Three new resonances have been suggested, a 0+1,2+2 , and 1+2 which were predominantly in the inelastic channel and never before seen in previous studies. However, due to their high excitation energies and narrow width, none of the resonances are expected to effect the astrophysically important 7Be(p, gamma) reaction rate. Results were compared to continuum shell model as well as ab initio calculations and found to be in good agreement with both sets of predictions, with the notable exception of the 2+2 state. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Automated object detection and tracking with a flash LiDAR system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammer, Marcus; Hebel, Marcus; Arens, Michael

2016-10-01

The detection of objects, or persons, is a common task in the fields of environment surveillance, object observation or danger defense. There are several approaches for automated detection with conventional imaging sensors as well as with LiDAR sensors, but for the latter the real-time detection is hampered by the scanning character and therefore by the data distortion of most LiDAR systems. The paper presents a solution for real-time data acquisition of a flash LiDAR sensor with synchronous raw data analysis, point cloud calculation, object detection, calculation of the next best view and steering of the pan-tilt head of the sensor. As a result the attention is always focused on the object, independent of the behavior of the object. Even for highly volatile and rapid changes in the direction of motion the object is kept in the field of view. The experimental setup used in this paper is realized with an elementary person detection algorithm in medium distances (20 m to 60 m) to show the efficiency of the system for objects with a high angular speed. It is easy to replace the detection part by any other object detection algorithm and thus it is easy to track nearly any object, for example a car or a boat or an UAV in various distances.

Lunar Impact Flash Locations from NASA's Lunar Impact Monitoring Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moser, D. E.; Suggs, R. M.; Kupferschmidt, L.; Feldman, J.

2015-01-01

Meteoroids are small, natural bodies traveling through space, fragments from comets, asteroids, and impact debris from planets. Unlike the Earth, which has an atmosphere that slows, ablates, and disintegrates most meteoroids before they reach the ground, the Moon has little-to-no atmosphere to prevent meteoroids from impacting the lunar surface. Upon impact, the meteoroid's kinetic energy is partitioned into crater excavation, seismic wave production, and the generation of a debris plume. A flash of light associated with the plume is detectable by instruments on Earth. Following the initial observation of a probable Taurid impact flash on the Moon in November 2005,1 the NASA Meteoroid Environment Office (MEO) began a routine monitoring program to observe the Moon for meteoroid impact flashes in early 2006, resulting in the observation of over 330 impacts to date. The main objective of the MEO is to characterize the meteoroid environment for application to spacecraft engineering and operations. The Lunar Impact Monitoring Program provides information about the meteoroid flux in near-Earth space in a size range-tens of grams to a few kilograms-difficult to measure with statistical significance by other means. A bright impact flash detected by the program in March 2013 brought into focus the importance of determining the impact flash location. Prior to this time, the location was estimated to the nearest half-degree by visually comparing the impact imagery to maps of the Moon. Better accuracy was not needed because meteoroid flux calculations did not require high-accuracy impact locations. But such a bright event was thought to have produced a fresh crater detectable from lunar orbit by the NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The idea of linking the observation of an impact flash with its crater was an appealing one, as it would validate NASA photometric calculations and crater scaling laws developed from hypervelocity gun testing. This idea was dependent upon LRO finding a fresh impact crater associated with one of the impact flashes recorded by Earth-based instruments, either the bright event of March 2013 or any other in the database of impact observations. To find the crater, LRO needed an accurate area to search. This Technical Memorandum (TM) describes the geolocation technique developed to accurately determine the impact flash location, and by association, the location of the crater, thought to lie directly beneath the brightest portion of the flash. The workflow and software tools used to geolocate the impact flashes are described in detail, along with sources of error and uncertainty and a case study applying the workflow to the bright impact flash in March 2013. Following the successful geolocation of the March 2013 flash, the technique was applied to all impact flashes detected by the MEO between November 7, 2005, and January 3, 2014.

Individualizing osteoporosis medications.

PubMed

Silverman, Stuart

2014-03-01

Mrs. JD is a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman having symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. She has a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry T-score of -2.4 in the femoral neck, consistent with low bone mass or osteopenia. She has a parental history of hip fracture. FRAX shows the 10-year absolute risk of major osteoporotic fracture equal to 18% and the 10-year risk of hip fracture above 3% at 3.2%, which meets the National Osteoporosis Foundation threshold. Mrs. JD is taking calcium 1,200 mg, between supplement and diet, and 1,000 IU vitamin D3 daily. How should she be treated?

Coupling high-resolution hydraulic and hydrologic models for flash flood forecasting and inundation mapping in urban areas - A case study for the City of Fort Worth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazari, B.; Seo, D.; Cannon, A.

2013-12-01

With many diverse features such as channels, pipes, culverts, buildings, etc., hydraulic modeling in urban areas for inundation mapping poses significant challenges. Identifying the practical extent of the details to be modeled in order to obtain sufficiently accurate results in a timely manner for effective emergency management is one of them. In this study we assess the tradeoffs between model complexity vs. information content for decision making in applying high-resolution hydrologic and hydraulic models for real-time flash flood forecasting and inundation mapping in urban areas. In a large urban area such as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW), there exists very large spatial variability in imperviousness depending on the area of interest. As such, one may expect significant sensitivity of hydraulic model results to the resolution and accuracy of hydrologic models. In this work, we present the initial results from coupling of high-resolution hydrologic and hydraulic models for two 'hot spots' within the City of Fort Worth for real-time inundation mapping.

Exterior Rigid Foam Insulation at the Edge of a Slab Foundation, Fresno, California (Fact Sheet)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Exterior rigid foam insulation at the edge of the slab foundation was a unique feature for this low-load, unoccupied test house in a hot-dry climate and may be more appropriate for climates with higher heating loads. U.S. Department of Energy Building America research team IBACOS worked with National Housing Quality Award winner Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes, Inc., to assess the performance of this feature in a single-family detached ranch house with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms constructed on a slab-on-grade foundation in Fresno, California. One challenge during installation of the system was the attachment of the butyl flashing to themore » open framing. To solve this constructability issue, the team added a nailer to the base of the wall to properly attach and lap the flashing. In this strategy, R-7.5, 1.5-in.-thick extruded polystyrene was installed on the exterior of the slab for a modeled savings of 4,500 Btu/h on the heating load.« less

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Exterior Rigid Foam Insulation at the Edge of a Slab Foundation, Fresno, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

Exterior rigid foam insulation at the edge of the slab foundation was a unique feature for this low-load, unoccupied test house in a hot-dry climate and may be more appropriate for climates with higher heating loads. U.S. Department of Energy Building America research team IBACOS worked with National Housing Quality Award winner Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes, Inc., to assess the performance of this feature in a single-family detached ranch house with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms constructed on a slab-on-grade foundation in Fresno, California. One challenge during installation of the system was the attachment of the butyl flashing to themore » open framing. To solve this constructability issue, the team added a nailer to the base of the wall to properly attach and lap the flashing. In this strategy, R-7.5, 1.5-in.-thick extruded polystyrene was installed on the exterior of the slab for a modeled savings of 4,500 Btu/h on the heating load.« less

Molecular scale modeling of polymer imprint nanolithography.

PubMed

Chandross, Michael; Grest, Gary S

2012-01-10

We present the results of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of two different nanolithographic processes, step-flash imprint lithography (SFIL), and hot embossing. We insert rigid stamps into an entangled bead-spring polymer melt above the glass transition temperature. After equilibration, the polymer is then hardened in one of two ways, depending on the specific process to be modeled. For SFIL, we cross-link the polymer chains by introducing bonds between neighboring beads. To model hot embossing, we instead cool the melt to below the glass transition temperature. We then study the ability of these methods to retain features by removing the stamps, both with a zero-stress removal process in which stamp atoms are instantaneously deleted from the system as well as a more physical process in which the stamp is pulled from the hardened polymer at fixed velocity. We find that it is necessary to coat the stamp with an antifriction coating to achieve clean removal of the stamp. We further find that a high density of cross-links is necessary for good feature retention in the SFIL process. The hot embossing process results in good feature retention at all length scales studied as long as coated, low surface energy stamps are used.

Filling-in visual motion with sounds.

PubMed

Väljamäe, A; Soto-Faraco, S

2008-10-01

Information about the motion of objects can be extracted by multiple sensory modalities, and, as a consequence, object motion perception typically involves the integration of multi-sensory information. Often, in naturalistic settings, the flow of such information can be rather discontinuous (e.g. a cat racing through the furniture in a cluttered room is partly seen and partly heard). This study addressed audio-visual interactions in the perception of time-sampled object motion by measuring adaptation after-effects. We found significant auditory after-effects following adaptation to unisensory auditory and visual motion in depth, sampled at 12.5 Hz. The visually induced (cross-modal) auditory motion after-effect was eliminated if visual adaptors flashed at half of the rate (6.25 Hz). Remarkably, the addition of the high-rate acoustic flutter (12.5 Hz) to this ineffective, sparsely time-sampled, visual adaptor restored the auditory after-effect to a level comparable to what was seen with high-rate bimodal adaptors (flashes and beeps). Our results suggest that this auditory-induced reinstatement of the motion after-effect from the poor visual signals resulted from the occurrence of sound-induced illusory flashes. This effect was found to be dependent both on the directional congruency between modalities and on the rate of auditory flutter. The auditory filling-in of time-sampled visual motion supports the feasibility of using reduced frame rate visual content in multisensory broadcasting and virtual reality applications.

Waco investigation: analysis of FLIR videotapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klasen, Lena M.

2001-09-01

This paper presents some of the image processing techniques that were applied to seek an answer to the question whether agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) directed gunfired against the Branch Davidian complex in the tragic event that took place in Waco, Texas, U.S., 1993. The task for this investigation was to provide a scientific opinion that clarified the cause of the questioned events, or flashes, that can be seen on one of the surveillance videotapes. These flashes were by several experts, concluded to be evidence of gunfire. However, there were many reasons to question the correctness of that conclusion, such as the fact that some of the flashes appeared on a regular basis. The main hypothesis for this work was that the flashes instead were caused by specular solar reflections. The technical approach for this work was to analyze and compare the flashes appearance. By reconstructing the spatial and temporal position of the sensor, the complex and the sun, the geometrical properties was compared to the theoretical appearance of specular solar reflections. The result showed that the flashes seen on the FLIR videotape, were caused by solar or heat reflections from single or multiple objects. Consequently, they could not form evidence of gunfire. Further, the result highlights the importance of considering the characteristics of the imaging system within investigations that utilizes images as information source. This is due to the need of separating real data from other phenomena (such as solar reflections), distortions and artifacts in a correct manner.

Lightning Attachment to Wind Turbines in Central Kansas: Video Observations, Correlation with the NLDN and in-situ Peak Current Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myers, J.; Cummins, K. L.; Hutchinson, M.; Nag, A.

2012-12-01

Lightning attachment to tall objects has been studied for decades. The attachment of lightning to electric power transmission towers in elevated terrain has driven much of the quantitative assessment of lightning characteristics in the 1970's and 80's. This has led to the understanding that in flat terrain, the probability of upward-initiated lightning is negligible for tower heights less than 100 m. For tower heights greater than 100, the probability increases roughly linearly with the log of height, reaching 100% at a height of 400 m. Additionally, the probability of upward initiation increases when the object resides on locally-elevated terrain. Over the last decade, there has been renewed interest in the study of lightning attachment to tall objects in general, and wind turbines in particular, following the establishment of large "wind farms" in lightning-prone regions. In this study, we present video observations, radiation magnetic field, and in-situ peak current measurements of lightning from an ongoing field program in a large wind farm in north-central Kansas, located in the U.S. Central Great Plains. The terrain variations within the wind farm are small rolling hills with peak variations on the order of 25 m. All turbines had a turbine hub height of 80 m, and a blade tip maximum height of 125 m. Two digital video camera systems (60 fields-per-second) were configured to self-trigger 2-second video sequences using a sequential-field-subtraction scene analysis (ufo-Capture). The two cameras had a common field of view that included 8 of the wind turbines. Nearby NLDN sensors were configured to record information that allows reconstruction of magnetic field waveforms within the bandwidth of the NLDN sensors. Some of the turbines were equipped with semi-quantitative in-situ peak current measuring devices. To date, more than 100 cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes have terminated within the perimeter of the wind farm. Video observations of flashes that attached to turbines (all to turbine blades) include five natural (downward leader) flashes and two "upward flashes" (fully developed upward leaders lasting 10's of milliseconds). Both upward flashes appear to have been triggered by nearby positive CG flashes, resulting in upward (presumably positive) leaders. Selected video observations in conjunction with NLDN data and waveform measurements, and in situ current measurements obtained during this campaign, will be presented and discussed in the context of storm characteristics. Differences with previous findings for fixed towers (no rotating blades) will also be discussed.

Direct evidence for a position input to the smooth pursuit system.

PubMed

Blohm, Gunnar; Missal, Marcus; Lefèvre, Philippe

2005-07-01

When objects move in our environment, the orientation of the visual axis in space requires the coordination of two types of eye movements: saccades and smooth pursuit. The principal input to the saccadic system is position error, whereas it is velocity error for the smooth pursuit system. Recently, it has been shown that catch-up saccades to moving targets are triggered and programmed by using velocity error in addition to position error. Here, we show that, when a visual target is flashed during ongoing smooth pursuit, it evokes a smooth eye movement toward the flash. The velocity of this evoked smooth movement is proportional to the position error of the flash; it is neither influenced by the velocity of the ongoing smooth pursuit eye movement nor by the occurrence of a saccade, but the effect is absent if the flash is ignored by the subject. Furthermore, the response started around 85 ms after the flash presentation and decayed with an average time constant of 276 ms. Thus this is the first direct evidence of a position input to the smooth pursuit system. This study shows further evidence for a coupling between saccadic and smooth pursuit systems. It also suggests that there is an interaction between position and velocity error signals in the control of more complex movements.

Background oriented schlieren measurement of the refractive index field of air induced by a hot, cylindrical measurement object.

PubMed

Beermann, Rüdiger; Quentin, Lorenz; Pösch, Andreas; Reithmeier, Eduard; Kästner, Markus

2017-05-10

To optically capture the topography of a hot measurement object with high precision, the light deflection by the inhomogeneous refractive index field-induced by the heat transfer from the measurement object to the ambient medium-has to be considered. We used the 2D background oriented schlieren method with illuminated wavelet background, an optical flow algorithm, and Ciddor's equation to quantify the refractive index field located directly above a red-glowing, hot measurement object. A heat transfer simulation has been implemented to verify the magnitude and the shape of the measured refractive index field. Provided that no forced external flow is disturbing the shape of the convective flow originating from the hot object, a laminar flow can be observed directly above the object, resulting in a sharply bounded, inhomogeneous refractive index field.

ACOUSTIC SIGNATURES OF THE HELIUM CORE FLASH

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bildsten, Lars; Paxton, Bill; Moore, Kevin

2012-01-15

All evolved stars with masses M {approx}< 2 M{sub Sun} undergo an initiating off-center helium core flash in their M{sub c} Almost-Equal-To 0.48 M{sub Sun} He core as they ascend the red giant branch (RGB). This off-center flash is the first of a few successive helium shell subflashes that remove the core electron degeneracy over 2 Myr, converting the object into a He-burning star. Though characterized by Thomas over 40 years ago, this core flash phase has yet to be observationally probed. Using the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) code, we show that red giant asteroseismology enabled bymore » space-based photometry (i.e., Kepler and CoRoT) can probe these stars during the flash. The rapid ({approx}< 10{sup 5} yr) contraction of the red giant envelope after the initiating flash dramatically improves the coupling of the p-modes to the core g-modes, making the detection of l = 1 mixed modes possible for these 2 Myr. This duration implies that 1 in 35 stars near the red clump in the H-R diagram will be in their core flash phase. During this time, the star has a g-mode period spacing of {Delta}P{sub g} Almost-Equal-To 70-100 s, lower than the {Delta}P{sub g} Almost-Equal-To 250 s of He-burning stars in the red clump, but higher than the RGB stars at the same luminosity. This places them in an underpopulated part of the large frequency spacing ({Delta}{nu}) versus {Delta}P{sub g} diagram that should ease their identification among the thousands of observed red giants.« less

A Wrf-Chem Flash Rate Parameterization Scheme and LNO(x) Analysis of the 29-30 May 2012 Convective Event in Oklahoma During DC3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cummings, Kristin A.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Barth, M.; Weinheimer, A.; Bela, M.; Li, Y.; Allen, D.; Bruning, E.; MacGorman, D.; Rutledge, S.;

A WRF-Chem Flash Rate Parameterization Scheme and LNOx Analysis of the 29-30 May 2012 Convective Event in Oklahoma During DC3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cummings, Kristin A.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Barth, M.; Weinheimer, A.; Bela, M.; Li, Y.; Allen, D.; Bruning, E.; MacGorman, D.; Rutledge, S.;

NASA Tech Briefs, November 2007

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Topics include: Wireless Measurement of Contact and Motion Between Contact Surfaces; Wireless Measurement of Rotation and Displacement Rate; Portable Microleak-Detection System; Free-to-Roll Testing of Airplane Models in Wind Tunnels; Cryogenic Shrouds for Testing Thermal-Insulation Panels; Optoelectronic System Measures Distances to Multiple Targets; Tachometers Derived From a Brushless DC Motor; Algorithm-Based Fault Tolerance for Numerical Subroutines; Computational Support for Technology- Investment Decisions; DSN Resource Scheduling; Distributed Operations Planning; Phase-Oriented Gear Systems; Freeze Tape Casting of Functionally Graded Porous Ceramics; Electrophoretic Deposition on Porous Non- Conductors; Two Devices for Removing Sludge From Bioreactor Wastewater; Portable Unit for Metabolic Analysis; Flash Diffusivity Technique Applied to Individual Fibers; System for Thermal Imaging of Hot Moving Objects; Large Solar-Rejection Filter; Improved Readout Scheme for SQUID-Based Thermometry; Error Rates and Channel Capacities in Multipulse PPM; Two Mathematical Models of Nonlinear Vibrations; Simpler Adaptive Selection of Golomb Power-of- Two Codes; VCO PLL Frequency Synthesizers for Spacecraft Transponders; Wide Tuning Capability for Spacecraft Transponders; Adaptive Deadband Synchronization for a Spacecraft Formation; Analysis of Performance of Stereoscopic-Vision Software; Estimating the Inertia Matrix of a Spacecraft; Spatial Coverage Planning for Exploration Robots; and Increasing the Life of a Xenon-Ion Spacecraft Thruster.

Evaluation of the fidelity of feature descriptor-based specimen tracking for automatic NDE data integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radkowski, Rafael; Holland, Stephen; Grandin, Robert

2018-04-01

This research addresses inspection location tracking in the field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) using a computer vision technique to determine the position and orientation of typical NDE equipment in a test setup. The objective is the tracking accuracy for typical NDE equipment to facilitate automatic NDE data integration. Since the employed tracking technique relies on surface curvatures of an object of interest, the accuracy can be only experimentally determined. We work with flash-thermography and conducted an experiment in which we tracked a specimen and a thermography flash hood, measured the spatial relation between both, and used the relation as input to map thermography data onto a 3D model of the specimen. The results indicate an appropriate accuracy, however, unveiled calibration challenges.

The Kinematic and Microphysical Control of Storm Integrated Lightning Flash Extent

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, Lawrence D.; Peterson, Harold S.; Schultz, Elise V.; Matthee, Retha; Schultz, Christopher J.; Petersen, Walter A,; Bain, Lamont

2012-01-01

Objective: To investigate the kinematic and microphysical control of lightning properties, particularly those that may govern the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in thunderstorms, such as flash rate, type (intracloud [IC] vs. cloud-to-ground [CG] ) and extent. Data and Methodology: a) NASA MSFC Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) is applied to North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) and Vaisala National Lightning Detection Network(TradeMark) (NLDN) observations following ordinary convective cells through their lifecycle. b) LNOM provides estimates of flash type, channel length distributions, lightning segment altitude distributions (SADs) and lightning NOx production profiles (Koshak et al. 2012). c) LNOM lightning characteristics are compared to the evolution of updraft and precipitation properties inferred from dual-Doppler (DD) and polarimetric radar analyses of UAHuntsville Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR, Cband, polarimetric) and KHTX (S-band, Doppler).

E-MHK-0103 (Mineraxin™): A Novel Nutraceutical with Biological Properties in Menopausal Conditions.

PubMed

Corzo, Lola; Rodriguez, Susana; Alejo, Ramon; Fernandez-Novoa, Lucia; Aliev, Gjumrakch; Cacabelos, Ramon

2017-01-01

Menopause-derived estrogen deprivation and related endocrine factors are linked to some symptoms typical of middle-aged women, such as hot flashes, aches, joint pain, stiffness, depressed mood, bone degeneration, nutritional dysfunction, or difficulty to maintain body mass. Clinical approaches to these problems often involve hormone replacement therapy and other modalities of therapeutic intervention. However, the well-known side effects associated with other pharmacological alternatives have led physicians and patients to pursue new strategies to alleviate these symptoms. As a physiological state, the first recommended option is a natural and healthy therapy, alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy in severe cases. Among other natural alternatives, E-MHK-0103, a nutraceutical lipoprotein extracted from Mytilus galloprovincialis, was found to have beneficial properties. We reviewed numerous high-impact references to show the controversies over the current treatments used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, and presented the results obtained with E-MHK-0103 as a good natural alternative. E-MHK-0103 showed positive effects on hot flashes, mood swings, joint pain and bone stability, associated with its glucosamine-related anti-inflammatory effect and its high content of vitamins, minerals, iron and other substances, such as selenium and vitamin E. A significant increase in serum growth hormone, mediated by the hepatic secretion of insulin growth factor-1, and a slight decrease in bone alkaline phosphatase, calcium and β-crosslaps concentrations contribute to its beneficial impact on bone turnover. E-MHK-0103 also showed a powerful antioxidant effect and an increase in iron stores, of particular importance in women with low basal ferritin levels. The findings of this review confirm the efficiency of natural therapies in menopause symptoms, and EMHK- 0103 as a healthy choice for inclusion into clinical practice. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Soy intake in association with menopausal symptoms during the first 6 and 36 months after breast cancer diagnosis.

PubMed

Dorjgochoo, Tsogzolmaa; Gu, Kai; Zheng, Ying; Kallianpur, Asha; Chen, Zhi; Zheng, Wei; Lu, Wei; Shu, Xiao Ou

2011-12-01

It has been suggested that soy food and its components may relieve menopausal symptoms (MPS) including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness in healthy women. However, little is known about the effect of soy food intake on MPS in women with breast cancer. We examined associations of occurrence of MPS with soy food intake in 4,842 Chinese women aged 20-75 years who had non-metastatic breast cancer and had not used hormone replacement therapy. MPS were assessed at 6 and 36 months after cancer diagnosis using a standardized questionnaire, and associations with soy food intake were evaluated in multivariate regression analyses. Daily soy food intake was assessed at 6 months postdiagnosis and over the first 36 months postdiagnosis using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The prevalence of MPS was 56% at 6 months and 63% at 36 months postdiagnosis with the hotflash being the most common MPS (~44-55%). Hot flashes occurred mainly in premenopausal breast cancer patients who were in the highest quartile of isoflavone intake at 6 months postdiagnosis (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.98-1.59) compared with the lowest quartile. This association was stronger at 36 months postdiagnosis (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02-2.48). We found no significant associations for any MPS, night sweats, or vaginal dryness. Neither tamoxifen use nor BMI modified the association between MPS and isoflavone intake. There was no evidence that soy food consumption reduced MPS among breast cancer patients. High soy intake may increase the prevalence of hotflashes among premenopausal patients. Our study suggests that soy acts as an estrogen antagonist in breast cancer patients.

Process gas solidification system

DOEpatents

Fort, William G. S.; Lee, Jr., William W.

1978-01-01

It has been the practice to (a) withdraw hot, liquid UF.sub.6 from various systems, (b) direct the UF.sub.6 into storage cylinders, and (c) transport the filled cylinders to another area where the UF.sub.6 is permitted to solidify by natural cooling. However, some hazard attends the movement of cylinders containing liquid UF.sub.6, which is dense, toxic, and corrosive. As illustrated in terms of one of its applications, the invention is directed to withdrawing hot liquid UF.sub.6 from a system including (a) a compressor for increasing the pressure and temperature of a stream of gaseous UF.sub.6 to above its triple point and (b) a condenser for liquefying the compressed gas. A network containing block valves and at least first and second portable storage cylinders is connected between the outlet of the condenser and the suction inlet of the compressor. After an increment of liquid UF.sub.6 from the condenser has been admitted to the first cylinder, the cylinder is connected to the suction of the compressor to flash off UF.sub.6 from the cylinder, thus gradually solidifying UF.sub.6 therein. While the first cylinder is being cooled in this manner, an increment of liquid UF.sub.6 from the condenser is transferred into the second cylinder. UF.sub.6 then is flashed from the second cylinder while another increment of liquid UF.sub.6 is being fed to the first. The operations are repeated until both cylinders are filled with solid UF.sub.6, after which they can be moved safely. As compared with the previous technique, this procedure is safer, faster, and more economical. The method also provides the additional advantage of removing volatile impurities from the UF.sub.6 while it is being cooled.

MF-101, an estrogen receptor beta agonist for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Stovall, Dale W; Pinkerton, Joann V

2009-04-01

During peri- and postmenopausal stages, the majority of women experience moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, that interfere with sleep and reduce quality of life. Estrogen alone or in combination with a progestagen has been the standard therapy for such vasomotor symptoms; however, this therapeutic regimen is associated with severe side effects, such as breast cancer or cardiovascular events. To provide a better treatment option for menopausal women, Bionovo Inc is developing the estrogen receptor (ER)beta-selective agonist MF-101. Selective ER agonists can stimulate either ERalpha or ERbeta and induce tissue-specific estrogen-like effects, thus providing a safer alternative to conventional hormone therapy. MF-101 is derived from 22 herbs that are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. MF-101 did not promote the growth of breast cancer cells or stimulate uterine growth in preclinical studies and, in a phase II trial, was demonstrated to be safe and more effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women compared with placebo. To confirm the safety and efficacy of MF-101, larger phase III trials were planned for 2009. Although MF-101 appears to be a promising therapeutic, the herbal composition of the drug may be a disadvantage, because of the increased risk of causing allergic reactions in the general population. Studies with the MF-101-isolated active compounds liquiritigen and chalcone demonstrated selectivity for ERbeta, with no induction of proliferative events. If these isolates were demonstrated to be as effective and safe in clinical trials as preliminary data suggest regarding MF-101, these compounds could change the way clinicians treat menopause-associated symptoms.

Determinants of physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue during breast cancer therapy and 12 months follow-up.

PubMed

Schmidt, Martina E; Wiskemann, Joachim; Schneeweiss, Andreas; Potthoff, Karin; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Steindorf, Karen

2018-03-15

Fatigue is common in cancer survivors but often insufficiently treated. Due to its complexity a one-size-fits-all treatment seems not appropriate. To gain more information on influencing factors and sub-dimensions of fatigue we investigated potential determinants and correlates of physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue in breast cancer survivors during and after adjuvant therapy. Within the follow-up of two randomized controlled trials physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue were repeatedly assessed during and up to 12 months after cancer therapy with the 20-item Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire in 255 breast cancer survivors. Determinants of the different fatigue dimensions over time were explored with linear mixed models. Chemotherapy appeared as significant precipitating factor for physical fatigue. However, type of cancer therapy had no impact on fatigue one year post-treatment. Obesity was significantly associated with increased physical fatigue throughout all time points (Δ=15.5 at 12 months) whereas exercise appeared to be beneficial (Δ = -6.3). In contrast, affective fatigue was significantly associated with poor social support and worries about the future. In addition, poor sleep quality and previous use of psychopharmaceuticals were significantly associated with physical, affective, as well as cognitive fatigue. Further, hot flashes were associated with increased physical and cognitive fatigue. In conclusion, the broad diagnosis 'fatigue' in cancer survivors needs to be recognized as a diversity of symptoms determined by specific characteristics and likely different etiologies. Taking potential influencing factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, sleep problems, hot flashes, lack of social support, or psychological disorders into consideration might enable a better, individually-tailored fatigue treatment. © 2017 UICC.

Blood pressure and neuropsychological test performance in healthy postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Alsumali, Adnan; Mekary, Rania A; Seeger, John; Regestein, Quentin

2016-06-01

To study the association between blood pressure and neuropsychological test performance in healthy postmenopausal women. Data from 88 healthy postmenopausal women aged 46-73 years, who were not experiencing hot flashes, and who had participated in a prior drug trial, were analyzed to find whether baseline blood pressure was associated with impaired performance on neuropsychological testing done at 3 follow-up visits separated by 4 weeks. Factor analysis was used to reduce the dimensions of neuropsychological test performance. Mixed linear modeling was used to evaluate the association between baseline blood pressure and repeatedly measured neuropsychological test performance at follow-up in a complete case analysis (n=53). In a sensitivity analysis (n=88), multiple-imputation using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method was used to account for missing data (blood pressure results) for some visits. The variables recording neuropsychological test performance were reduced to two main factors (Factor 1=selective attention; Factor 2=complex processing). In the complete case analysis, the association between a 20-mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure and Factor 1 remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounders, before adjusting for systolic blood pressure (slope=0.60; 95%CI=0.04,1.16), and after adjusting for systolic blood pressure (slope=0.76; 95%CI=0.06, 1.47). The positive slopes indicated an increase in the time spent performing a given task (i.e., a decrease in neuropsychological test performance). No other significant associations were found between systolic blood pressure and either factor. The results did not materially change after applying the multiple-imputation method. An increase in diastolic blood pressure was associated with a decrease in neuropsychological test performance among older healthy postmenopausal women experiencing hot flashes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ulipristal acetate versus leuprolide acetate for uterine fibroids.

PubMed

Donnez, Jacques; Tomaszewski, Janusz; Vázquez, Francisco; Bouchard, Philippe; Lemieszczuk, Boguslav; Baró, Francesco; Nouri, Kazem; Selvaggi, Luigi; Sodowski, Krzysztof; Bestel, Elke; Terrill, Paul; Osterloh, Ian; Loumaye, Ernest

2012-02-02

The efficacy and side-effect profile of ulipristal acetate as compared with those of leuprolide acetate for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids before surgery are unclear. In this double-blind noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 307 patients with symptomatic fibroids and excessive uterine bleeding to receive 3 months of daily therapy with oral ulipristal acetate (at a dose of either 5 mg or 10 mg) or once-monthly intramuscular injections of leuprolide acetate (at a dose of 3.75 mg). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with controlled bleeding at week 13, with a prespecified noninferiority margin of -20%. Uterine bleeding was controlled in 90% of patients receiving 5 mg of ulipristal acetate, in 98% of those receiving 10 mg of ulipristal acetate, and in 89% of those receiving leuprolide acetate, for differences (as compared with leuprolide acetate) of 1.2 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], -9.3 to 11.8) for 5 mg of ulipristal acetate and 8.8 percentage points (95% CI, 0.4 to 18.3) for 10 mg of ulipristal acetate. Median times to amenorrhea were 7 days for patients receiving 5 mg of ulipristal acetate, 5 days for those receiving 10 mg of ulipristal acetate, and 21 days for those receiving leuprolide acetate. Moderate-to-severe hot flashes were reported for 11% of patients receiving 5 mg of ulipristal acetate, for 10% of those receiving 10 mg of ulipristal acetate, and for 40% of those receiving leuprolide acetate (P<0.001 for each dose of ulipristal acetate vs. leuprolide acetate). Both the 5-mg and 10-mg daily doses of ulipristal acetate were noninferior to once-monthly leuprolide acetate in controlling uterine bleeding and were significantly less likely to cause hot flashes. (Funded by PregLem; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00740831.).

Enhancement of thermal conductive pathway of boron nitride coated polymethylsilsesquioxane composite.

PubMed

Kim, Gyungbok; Ryu, Seung Han; Lee, Jun-Tae; Seong, Ki-Hun; Lee, Jae Eun; Yoon, Phil-Joong; Kim, Bum-Sung; Hussain, Manwar; Choa, Yong-Ho

2013-11-01

We report here in the fabrication of enhanced thermal conductive pathway nanocomposites of boron nitride (BN)-coated polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) composite beads using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a mixing medium. Exfoliated and size-reduced boron nitride particles were successfully coated on the PMSQ beads and explained by surface charge differences. A homogeneous dispersion and coating of BN on the PMSQ beads using IPA medium was confirmed by SEM. Each condition of the composite powder was carried into the stainless still mould and then hot pressed in an electrically heated hot press machine. Three-dimensional percolation networks and conductive pathways created by exfoliated BN were precisely formed in the nanocomposites. The thermal conductivity of nanocomposites was measured by multiplying specific gravity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity, based upon the laser flash method. Densification of the composite resulted in better thermal properties. For an epoxy reinforced composite with 30 vol% BN and PMSQ, a thermal conductivity of nine times higher than that of pristine PMSQ was observed.

The Final Helium Flash Object Sakurai: Photometric Behavior and Physical Characteristics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duerbeck, Hilmar W.; Benetti, Stefano; Gautschy, Alfred; van Genderen, Arnout M.; Kemper, Ciska; Liller, William; Thomas, Tom

1997-10-01

Six-color broadband photometry of Sakurai's Object, a star that underwent a final helium flash in late 1994, has been carried out since 1996 February. The light curves show that Sakurai's Object is continuously cooling while it slowly expands and slightly increases its luminosity. The distance is estimated to be 8 kpc, the interstellar extinction EB-V=0.53, and the luminosity in early 1997 is 10 000Lsun. The high luminosity indicates that the white dwarf is quite massive. With the assumption of a slightly accelerated photospheric expansion a realistic description of the outburst light curve is achieved. Superimposed on the gradual brightness changes are variations with amplitudes of up to 0.1 mag and cycle lengths of 63, 23, 14, and 8 days. In spite of the fact that no persistent periodicities could be detected, pulsational studies show that such cyclic changes can be used to constrain stellar parameters such as mass, luminosity, and chemical abundances.

Sakurai's Object: a Once-In Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1996-03-01

The Story of a Rarely Seen Stellar Explosion A bright `new' star was discovered by Japanese amateur astronomer Yukio Sakurai in late February 1996. It is located in the star-rich, southern constellation of Sagittarius (The Archer) and qualifies to join an extremely select class of stars. In fact, we know only one additional object of this type and the remains of two - possibly three - others. Compared to the 6000 stars in the sky seen with the naked eye, the several millions so far catalogued, and the billions of stars photographed, it is a very special class indeed. Nevertheless, Sakurai's star holds unique information about a dramatic evolutionary state, which all stars must to pass through whose masses are more than a few times that of the Sun, but still too small to produce a supernova explosion. This happens just before they end their active life and cool down into visual oblivion. The discovery When Yukio Sakurai inspected his sky photographs, taken in the early morning of February 21 (Japanese time), he discovered a comparatively bright `new' star in Sagittarius. Checking his earlier photographs, he found no trace of this star before January 1995, when it first appeared at a magnitude somewhat fainter than 12.5 (about 400 times fainter than what can be perceived with the naked eye). The star was also present on all later photos, throughout 1995 and the beginning of 1996. The most recent observations show that it continues to brighten, although at a much slower rate; the current visual magnitude is 11.2. Such a discovery merits an announcement in the Circulars of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the world-wide fast information service for observers. The communication about Sakurai's new star reached the European Southern Observatory at La Silla on February 23. Here the first spectra of the possible nova (the technical term for a star that has suddenly brightened considerably) were immediately taken at the ESO 3.6-metre telescope. This observation and the following investigations at La Silla were undertaken by a small team of ESO astronomers, including Hilmar Duerbeck, Waltraut Seitter and Stefano Benetti. Which type of nova ? Before the first spectra from ESO became available, the object was suspected to be a very slow nova , that is a small and compact `white dwarf' star in a binary system which experiences a hydrogen nuclear explosion below its surface. During a nova outburst of this type, the spectrum of the exploding star contains bright emission lines of hydrogen and other chemical elements, superimposed on a rapidly weakening, almost featureless spectrum. But Sakurai's object showed nothing the like. Instead, the spectrum displayed a multitude of narrow absorption lines. The otherwise almost omnipresent lines of hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element in the Universe, were comparatively weak. Spectra of higher resolution, taken at the ESO 1.5-metre telescope the following night, revealed the characteristics of a fairly cool, chemically peculiar star with absorption lines of neutral helium, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen and singly ionized lines of carbon and silicon. This spectrum is reproduced as ESO Press Photo 20/96 , accompanying this Press Release. Another immediate action relating to the new bright star was to search for its pre-outburst state. For this, the ESO/SERC Atlas of the Southern Sky was used; this is the most detailed photographic atlas in the south and was produced in the 1970's during a joint project with the ESO (La Silla) and UK (Siding Spring, Australia) Schmidt telescopes. At the location of Sakurai's object, three very faint stars were found as well as a minute trace of a possible nebulosity. The combination of the long phase of maximum light, the hydrogen-poor and carbon-rich outburst spectrum, and the hint of a nebulosity confirmed the suspicion of the ESO astronomers that this star had experienced its `Final Helium Flash' , the explosive, very last phase of nuclear burning in a star of medium mass. Similarity with Nova Aquilae in 1919 Sakurai's object is only the second case of an observed Final Helium Flash. The first one was the `nova' of 1919 in the northern constellation of Aquila (The Eagle), now known as the variable star V605 Aquilae and located at the center of a conspicuous nebulosity, the planetary nebula A58 [1]. A very low dispersion spectrum was taken two years later of this star. It showed the molecular bands of the C2 carbon molecule which are characteristic for a hydrogen-poor carbon star [2]. The spectrum of Sakurai's object is too warm to display molecular lines and bands, but the numerous lines of singly ionized carbon atoms seen in the ESO spectra give strong support to the assumption that the stars of 1919 and 1996 are in fact of the same nature. The birth of a planetary nebula Modern theoretical studies of stellar evolution are able to explain in quite some detail the various phases a star must pass during its life. In particular, it has been established that this evolution is critically dependent on the star's total mass. Normal stars with masses like that of our Sun draw most of their energy from the transformation of hydrogen into helium, often referred to as `hydrogen nuclear burning'. But at some moment, the hydrogen fuel will run out and the hydrogen burning comes to an end. This phase - still many billions of years into the future for the Sun - signals the beginning of profound, increasingly rapid changes in the star which will ultimately lead to its death. When this happens for a star that is a few times heavier than the Sun - and which is bound to experience the above-mentioned final helium flash - it next evolves to a cool and bright, giant star with a very extended atmosphere. Deep inside such a star, energy is now generated by nuclear burning of helium to carbon. During this process, the star builds up what will eventually become an incompressible (`degenerate') core of carbon. Further out, above the helium-burning shell around this core, there is a layer where hydrogen still burns to helium. Eventually and repeatedly, a sequence of intricate processes of energy generation, as well as mixing and transport of the stellar material in different layers, produces a multitude of chemical elements and isotopes and moves them into the outer regions of the giant star. From here, strong stellar winds carry the matter into interstellar space. During its further evolution, the giant star blows off its outer layers altogether, thus exposing the very dense, very hot, small and almost `naked' nucleus of the star. Its freely escaping radiation excites spectral line emission in the ejected matter: in this way a surrounding, shining planetary nebula is born. The Helium Flash and thereafter The stellar nucleus of this planetary nebula experiences a comparatively short phase as a very compact, `pre-white dwarf star' during which some burning of hydrogen to helium still takes place near the stellar surface. But then, when this nuclear burning ceases due to lack of hydrogen, the layer with the newly created helium begins to contract. The compression proceeds rapidly until the helium reaches the maximum possible density (`becomes degenerate'). It heats up and soon acquires the high temperature of the carbon core. It is at this moment that the helium suddenly ignites in a spectacular Final Helium Flash. In this new phase, the outward appearance of the star rapidly returns to its former, bright giant appearance, but this time it is a deceptive one. What looks to the distant observer as a `sturdy', bright giant atmosphere is nothing but the temporarily blown-up, carbon-rich layer produced at the time of the helium flash. After years or decades it will gradually become transparent and reveal the very hot and compact stellar nucleus at the center of the small, hydrogen-poor secondary planetary nebula which was created during the Final Helium Flash episode. Thereafter, the stellar nucleus slowly cools down, this time to its final state of an inactive, cooling white dwarf. Its brightness decreases and at some moment it drops out of sight. A planetary nebula around Sakurai's Object On the basis of the above description of stellar evolution, the ESO astronomers decided to look for the expected planetary nebula at the location of Sakurai's new star, which should have been ejected during a former phase. And they found it ! Direct images were obtained at the Dutch 0.9-metre telescope at La Silla through narrow-band filters, which transmit only the red light of the hydrogen H-alpha line or the green `forbidden' lines of doubly ionized oxygen, characteristic for normal planetary nebulae. As can be seen on the accompanying ESO Press Photo 21/96 , the observations did reveal an old planetary nebula with a diameter of 32 arcseconds, intensively radiating in the mentioned emission lines. This finding strongly supports the proposition that Sakurai's object is a star now experiencing its Final Helium Flash. A very rare event Two comparatively bright planetary nebulae, A30 and A78 , have central structures which from spectral observations are known to contain only small amounts of hydrogen. They were the first objects found which are believed to be the left-over nebulae after helium flashes. The measured sizes of the central nebulae inside these planetary nebulae suggest that they are only a few thousand years old. As far as the current theory is concerned, the Final Helium Flash - a decisive episode in the evolution of a medium mass star - provides an excellent explanation for the behaviour of the two outburst objects observed in 1919 and 1996. Nevertheless, there is a problem relating to the time scales of the stellar models. According to the theoretical calculations of the helium flash, the star ought to brighten over a period of hundreds of years and then decline over tens of thousands of years. The observations, however, tell us that the brightness maximum is reached in a matter of years only and that the dispersion of the ejected nebula reveals the central white dwarf already after another several tens of years - this is documented by the evolution of the nucleus of V605 Aql. The full chain of events during the late rise and the long decline of the Final Helium Flash has never been seen. In the years to come, a hitherto un-observed evolutionary path of fundamental importance for our understanding the late stages of stars of medium mass will be followed by ESO astronomers and throughout the world. Sakurai's Object should become a favorite target for astronomers well into the 21st century - an event of a lifetime, indeed. Notes: [1] The term `planetary nebula' is historical and does not refer to any physical relations to planets, but rather to the extended appearance and green colour of some of these nebulae to the eyes of telescopic observers in the last century. [2] These bands are known as the `Swan bands' and are seen in emission in comets of the solar system.

Small impacts on the Giant Planet Jupiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hueso, Ricardo; Delcroix, Marc; Sanchez-Lavega, Agustin M.; Rojas, Jose Felix; María Gómez-Forrellad, Josep; Juaristi-Campillo, Jon

2017-10-01

Amateur video observations of Jupiter have shown five events of 1-s long flashes, each one observed by 2-3 observers geographically separated. The first three of these events occurred on June 3 2010, August 20 2010 and September 10 2012. Analysis of the light-curves of each flash shows that they most probably were caused by the impact of objects of 5-20 m depending on their density (Hueso et al., 2010, 2013) with a released energy comparable to superbolides on Earth similar to the Chelyabinsk airburst. The last two flashes on Jupiter were detected on 17 March 2016 and 26 May 2017 after a long pause in impacts detections of more than 3 years. In all of these cases no impact debri at the impact location was found in later observations.We present detailed light-curves of the five flashes. Photometric calibration of the images allows to constrain the size of the impacting objects. We estimate the flash observable characteristics of a Jupiter impact event that could leave an observable debri field on Jupiter’s atmosphere over a few days triggering fast observations. We also present results from a systematic search of impacts on >65,000 video amateur observations with a software specifically designed towards impact detection and based on differential photometry of frames over videos of Jupiter. From the observations of impacts and a statistical analysis of amateur observations the flux of small objects (5-20 m size) impacting Jupiter is predicted to be small (from 1 every 70 days to 1 every 12 days). A larger telescope than those used by amateurs could detect smaller impacts happening much more frequently. In spite of the uncertainties, these numbers imply that a dense number of observers are required to efficiently discover Jupiter impacts. The first three events were detected with Jupiter oppositions on September and December in 2010 and 2012 respectively and the last two events were detected with Jupiter oppositions in March and April 2017. We predict that more impacts will be found in the upcoming years with Jupiter opposition displaced towards the Summer in the Northern hemisphere where most amateur astronomers observe.References:Hueso et al. ApJ, 721L (2010).Hueso et al. A&A, 560, A55 (2013).

Effectiveness of an extended period of flashing lights and strategic signage to increase the salience of alcohol-gel dispensers for improving hand hygiene compliance.

PubMed

Rashidi, Babak; Li, Aimee; Patel, Rakesh; Harmsen, Irene E; Sabri, Elham; Kyeremanteng, Kwadwo; D'Egidio, Gianni

2016-07-01

Multiple factors affect compliance with hand hygiene, including conspicuity of alcohol-gel dispensers. Previous studies have shown that flashing lights increase hand hygiene compliance; however, the durability of this effect has not been studied. We affixed flashing lights to hand sanitizer dispensers for a total of 6 weeks. Regression analysis was used to compare compliance rates between the beginning and end of the intervention. Our secondary objective was to determine whether compliance rates in cold weather could be improved by adding a sign separated in time and space from the dispensers. Flashing lights improved hand hygiene compliance from 11.8% to 20.7%, and this effect was unchanged over the 6-week study period. Fully charged lights resulted in a greater compliance increase. A preemptive sign did not have a significant effect on hand hygiene rates nor did absolute temperatures. Flashing lights are a simple, inexpensive way of improving hand hygiene. Brighter lights appear to have a greater effect; however, this must be balanced with annoyance in specific settings. Temperature did not have a significant effect; however, this may be because the relationship does not fit a linear model. Other interventions, such as signs, may need to be tailored specifically to individual hospital environments. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A study on flash sintering and related phenomena in titania and its composite with alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shikhar

In 2010, Cologna et. al. [1] reported that with a help of small electric field 120 Vcm-1, the sintering temperature of 3 mol % yittria stabilized zirconia could be brought down to 850°C from 1450°C. On top of reducing the temperature requirements, the green sample could be sintered from starting density of 50% to near full density in mere 5 seconds, a sintering rate three orders of magnitude higher than conventional methods. This discovery led to the emergence of a new field of enhanced sintering with electric field, named "Flash Sintering". The objective of this thesis is to understand the phenomenological behavior of flash-sintering and related phenomena on titania and its composites with alumina at elevated temperature. The possible mechanisms to explain flash sintering are discussed: Joule heating and the avalanche of defect generation [2], both induced by the rapid rise in conductivity just before the onset of the flash. Apparently, both mechanisms play a role. The thesis covers the response of pure titania and composites of titania-alumina under flash and compared with conventional sintering. We start with the sintering behavior of pure titania and observe lowering of sintering temperature requirements with higher applied electric field. The conductivity of titania during flash is also measured, and compared with the nominal conductivity of titania at equivalent temperatures. The conductivity during flash is determined to be have a different activation energy. For the composites of titania-alumina, effect of flash on the constrained sintering was studied. It is a known fact that sintering of one component of composite slows down when the other component of a different densification rate is added to it, called constrained sintering. In our case, large inclusions of alumina particles were added to nano-grained titania green compact that hindered its densification. Flash sintering was found to be overcoming this problem and near full densification was achieved. In another experiment, effect of high current density and hold time under flash on the chemical reaction (phase transformation) of titania and alumina to form Al2TiO5 is studied. It was found that not only flash enhances the kinetics of reaction when compared with conventional heating at equivalent temperatures, but also brought down the phase transformation temperature for this spinel formation, as reported by the phase diagram. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiments were performed at the synchrotron facility in Argonne National Laboratory. The specimen temperature were measured during the experiment on the basis of peak shift with temperature and were found to be matching with our predicted values by Black-Body-Radiation model. We also observed the instant evolution of texture in grain orientation of pure titania under flash and their disappearance as the fields were switched off. Study on chemical kinetics between titania and alumina were also performed which supported our findings of in-house experiments.

Clusters in intense x-ray pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostedt, Christoph

2012-06-01

Free-electron lasers can deliver extremely intense, coherent x-ray flashes with femtosecond pulse length, opening the door for imaging single nanoscale objects in a single shot. All matter irradiated by these intense x-ray pulses, however, will be transformed into a highly-excited non-equilibrium plasma within femtoseconds. During the x-ray pulse complex electron dynamics and the onset of atomic disorder will be induced, leading to a time-varying sample. We have performed first experiments about x-ray laser pulse -- cluster interaction with a combined spectroscopy and imaging approach at both, the FLASH free electron laser in Hamburg (Germany) and the LCLS x-ray free-electron laser in Stanford (California). Atomic clusters are ideal for investigating the light - matter interaction because their size can be tuned from the molecular to the bulk regime, thus allowing to distinguish between intra and inter atomic processes. Imaging experiments with xenon clusters show power-density dependent changes in the scattering patterns. Modeling the scattering data indicates that the optical constants of the clusters change during the femtosecond pulse due to the transient creation of high charge states. The results show that ultra fast scattering is a promising approach to study transient states of matter on a femtosecond time scale. Coincident recording of time-of-flight spectra and scattering patterns allows the deconvolution of focal volume and particle size distribution effects. Single-shot single-particle experiments with keV x-rays reveal that for the highest power densities an highly excited and hot cluster plasma is formed for which recombination is suppressed. Time resolved infrared pump -- x-ray probe experiments have started. Here, the clusters are pumped into a nanoplasma state and their time evolution is probed with femtosecond x-ray scattering. The data show strong variations in the scattering patterns stemming from electronic reconfigurations in the cluster plasma. The results will be compared to theoretical predictions and discussed in light of current developments at free-electron laser sources.

Fires of Galactic Youth Artist Animation

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-12-22

This artist's animation shows a typical young galaxy, teeming with hot, newborn stars and exploding supernovas. The supernovas are seen as white flashes of light. NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer spotted three-dozen young galaxies like the one shown here in our corner of the universe. It was able to see them with the help of its highly sensitive ultraviolet detectors. Because newborn stars radiate ultraviolet light, young galaxies light up brilliantly when viewed in ultraviolet wavelengths. The findings came as a surprise, because astronomers had thought that the universe's "birth-rate" had declined, and that massive galaxies were no longer forming. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07144

Study of firefly luciferin oxidation and isomerism as possible inhibition pathways for firefly bioluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinto da Silva, Luís; Esteves da Silva, Joaquim C. G.

2014-01-01

Firefly bioluminescence presents a light emitting profile with a form of a flash, due to the firefly luciferase-catalyzed formation of inhibitory products. These impair the binding of the substrate luciferin to the active site of the enzyme. However, this luciferase catalyzed pathways may not be the only ones responsible for the flash profile. The oxidation and isomerisation of the substrate luciferin lead to the formation of compounds that are also known inhibitors of firefly bioluminescence. So, the objective of this Letter was to analyze if these reactions could be capable of interfering with the bioluminescence reaction.

'Electrically-Hot' Convection and Tropical Cyclone Development in the Eastern Atlantic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leppert, Kenneth, II; Petersen, Walter A.; Williams, Earle

2008-01-01

The depth and intensity of convective-scale "hot" towers in intensifying tropical disturbances has been hypothesized to play a role in tropical cyclogenesis via dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks on the larger meso-to-synoptic scale circulation. In this investigation we investigate the role that widespread and/or intense lightning-producing convection (i.e., "electrically-hot towers") resident in African Easterly Waves (AEW) may play in tropical cyclogenesis over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. NCEP reanalysis data for the months of July to November for the years 2004, 2006, and 2007 are analyzed for the domain of 5 N - 15 N and 500W - 300 E. Specifically, NCEP data for individual AEWs are partitioned into northerly, southerly, trough, and ridge phases using the 700 hPa meridional winds. Subsequently, information from National Hurricane Center storm reports were divided up into developing and non-developing waves (i.e. tropical cyclogenesis). Finally, composites were created of developing and non-developing waves using the NCEP variables, but with the inclusion of lightning flash count and infrared brightness temperature information. The Zeus and World Wide Lightning Location Network lightning data were used for the lightning information, and the IR brightness temperature data was extracted from the NASA global-merged infrared brightness temperature dataset.

Thermally-enhanced oil recovery method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Stahl, Charles R.; Gibson, Michael A.; Knudsen, Christian W.

1987-01-01

A thermally-enhanced oil recovery method and apparatus for exploiting deep well reservoirs utilizes electric downhole steam generators to provide supplemental heat to generate high quality steam from hot pressurized water which is heated at the surface. A downhole electric heater placed within a well bore for local heating of the pressurized liquid water into steam is powered by electricity from the above-ground gas turbine-driven electric generators fueled by any clean fuel such as natural gas, distillate or some crude oils, or may come from the field being stimulated. Heat recovered from the turbine exhaust is used to provide the hot pressurized water. Electrical power may be cogenerated and sold to an electric utility to provide immediate cash flow and improved economics. During the cogeneration period (no electrical power to some or all of the downhole units), the oil field can continue to be stimulated by injecting hot pressurized water, which will flash into lower quality steam at reservoir conditions. The heater includes electrical heating elements supplied with three-phase alternating current or direct current. The injection fluid flows through the heater elements to generate high quality steam to exit at the bottom of the heater assembly into the reservoir. The injection tube is closed at the bottom and has radial orifices for expanding the injection fluid to reservoir pressure.

Spatial decoupling of targets and flashing stimuli for visual brain-computer interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waytowich, Nicholas R.; Krusienski, Dean J.

2015-06-01

Objective. Recently, paradigms using code-modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEPs) have proven to achieve among the highest information transfer rates for noninvasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). One issue with current c-VEP paradigms, and visual-evoked paradigms in general, is that they require direct foveal fixation of the flashing stimuli. These interfaces are often visually unpleasant and can be irritating and fatiguing to the user, thus adversely impacting practical performance. In this study, a novel c-VEP BCI paradigm is presented that attempts to perform spatial decoupling of the targets and flashing stimuli using two distinct concepts: spatial separation and boundary positioning. Approach. For the paradigm, the flashing stimuli form a ring that encompasses the intended non-flashing targets, which are spatially separated from the stimuli. The user fixates on the desired target, which is classified using the changes to the EEG induced by the flashing stimuli located in the non-foveal visual field. Additionally, a subset of targets is also positioned at or near the stimulus boundaries, which decouples targets from direct association with a single stimulus. This allows a greater number of target locations for a fixed number of flashing stimuli. Main results. Results from 11 subjects showed practical classification accuracies for the non-foveal condition, with comparable performance to the direct-foveal condition for longer observation lengths. Online results from 5 subjects confirmed the offline results with an average accuracy across subjects of 95.6% for a 4-target condition. The offline analysis also indicated that targets positioned at or near the boundaries of two stimuli could be classified with the same accuracy as traditional superimposed (non-boundary) targets. Significance. The implications of this research are that c-VEPs can be detected and accurately classified to achieve comparable BCI performance without requiring potentially irritating direct foveation of flashing stimuli. Furthermore, this study shows that it is possible to increase the number of targets beyond the number of stimuli without degrading performance. Given the superior information transfer rate of c-VEP paradigms, these results can lead to the development of more practical and ergonomic BCIs.

Anatomy of a Flash Flood in the Amargosa Desert, U.S.A.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stonestrom, D. A.; Prudic, D. E.; Glancy, P. A.; Beck, D. A.

2004-12-01

In August 2004, intense convective rainstorms caused flash flooding throughout the Amargosa River drainage network, temporarily closing Death Valley National Park and causing two fatalities when runoff from Furnace Creek and other channels overtopped roadways in the Park. In 1998, we began installing streambed temperature loggers, pressure transducers, and scour chains in the normally dry channel and selected tributaries of the river in the Amargosa Desert and Oasis Valley. The primary objective of this work is to improve understanding of ground-water recharge from ephemeral streamflows under current climatic conditions. Two weeks after the flash flooding, we visited instrumented sites and estimated peak flows by surveying high-water marks and corresponding channel geometries. Time series of temperatures and stages, together with peak-flow estimates, reveal the routing and evolution of distinct flood pulses in the upper Amargosa River basin. The data also reveal previously undocumented details of individual flash-flood hydrographs, including initial and subsequent flood pulses at two sites. Arid environments are prone to flash flooding not only because vegetation is sparse, but also because the surface-water network is decoupled from underlying ground water by a thick unsaturated zone. Nonlinear interactions between runoff (with energy potentials on the order of a meter of head) and the unsaturated zone (with energy potentials on the order of negative hundreds of meters of head) keep advancing fronts of flood pulses sharp. Profiles of water content beneath the main channel before and after the passage of a flood pulse, together with down-channel attenuation of flow volume within individual pulses, show the leaky nature of dry alluvial channels and the efficiency at which flash floods become potential recharge.

Ultrahigh-field imaging of the biliary tract at 7 T: initial results of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography.

PubMed

Fischer, Anja; Kraff, Oliver; Orzada, Stephan; Nensa, Felix; Schäfer, Lena C; Ladd, Mark E; Umutlu, Lale; Lauenstein, Thomas C

2014-05-01

The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) using biliary-secreted gadoxetic acid at 7 T and to compare it with T2-weighted (w) MRC at 3 T. Ten healthy volunteers were examined on a 7-T whole-body magnetic resonance system. T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequence, T1-w volume-interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE), and fast low-angle shot (FLASH) with inversion recovery (IR) were acquired in coronal orientation. For dynamic imaging, gadoxetic acid was administrated and data were collected for a period of 5 to 40 minutes after injection. The volunteers underwent subsequent T2-w respiratory-gated MRC at 3 T. For qualitative analysis, a 5-point scale was used. Contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated for quantitative assessment. Contrast-enhanced T1-w MRC at 7 T showed a homogeneous depiction of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tract with a maximum enhancement of 20 minutes after contrast. Volume-interpolated breath-hold examination and FLASH IR provided a good image quality for the intrahepatic (VIBE, 3.60; FLASH IR, 3.67) and extrahepatic bile ducts (VIBE, 3.50; FLASH IR, 3.72). The quantitative analysis revealed high CR values for FLASH IR (intrahepatic CR, 0.41; extrahepatic CR, 0.45) because of an effective suppression of hepatic tissue and vessels. The T2-w TSE at 7 T showed only a poor image quality without diagnostic potential (intrahepatic, 2.22; extrahepatic, 1.93). Seven-tesla VIBE and FLASH revealed superiority in the depiction of the intrahepatic bile ducts, whereas 3-T MRC was superior in the delineation of the extrahepatic biliary tract. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of contrast-enhanced imaging of the biliary ducts at 7 T.

Electrically-Active Convection and Tropical Cyclogenesis in the Atlantic and East Pacific

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leppert, Kenneth D., II; Petersen, Walter A.

2010-01-01

It has been hypothesized that deep, intense convective-scale "hot" towers may aid the process of tropical cyclogenesis and intensification through dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks on the larger meso-to-synoptic scale circulation. In this study, we make use of NCEP Reanalysis data and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) lightning imaging sensor (LIS), precipitation radar (PR), and microwave imager (TMI) data to investigate the role that widespread and/or intense lightning-producing convection (i.e., "electrically-hot towers") present in African easterly waves (AEWs) may play in tropical cyclogenesis over the Atlantic, Caribbean, and East Pacific regions. NCEP Reanalysis 700 hPa meridional winds for the months of June to November for the years 2001-2009 were analyzed for the domain of 5degN-20degN and 130degW-20degE in order to partition individual AEWs into northerly, southerly, trough, and ridge phases. Subsequently, information from National Hurricane Center (NHC) storm reports was used to divide the waves into developing and non-developing waves and to further divide the developing waves into those waves that spawned storms that only developed to tropical storm strength and those that spawned storms that reached hurricane strength. The developing waves were also divided by the region in which they developed. To help determine the gross nature of the smaller convective scale, composites were created of all developing and non-developing waves as a function of AEW wave phase over the full analysis domain and over various smaller longitude bands by compositing TRMM PR, TMI, LIS, and IR brightness temperature data extracted from the NASA global-merged IR brightness temperature dataset. Finally, similar composites were created using various NCEP variables to assess the nature of the larger scale environment and circulation. Results suggest a clear distinction between developing and non-developing waves as developing waves near their region of development in terms of the intensity of convection (indicated by lightning flash rate), coverage of cold cloudiness (indicated by the percentage of a 2.5deg by 2.5deg box covered by IR brightness temperatures less than 210 K), and large-scale variables, such as midlevel moisture and upper-level upward motion. For example, waves that developed in the East Pacific longitude band (i.e., 130degW-95degW) were observed in that band to have a flash rate of 56.4 flashes/day, a coverage by brightness temperatures less than 210 K equal to 2.2%, a 700-hPa specific humidity anomaly of 0.4 g/kg, and a 300-hPa omega value of -0.04 Pascals/s in the trough phase compared to the non-developing wave trough values of 22.1 flashes/day, a coverage by brightness temperatures less than 210 K equal to 0.9%, a 700-hPa specific humidity anomaly of -0.3 g/kg, and a 300-hPa omega value of -0.01 Pascals/s.

Coupling device with improved thermal interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milam, Malcolm Bruce

1992-04-01

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, and lightweight coupling that will also have an efficient thermal interface. A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling that is capable of blind mating with little or no insertion forces. Another object of the invention is to provide a coupling that acts as a thermal regulator to maintain a constant temperature on one side of the coupling. Another object of the invention is to increase the available surface area of a coupling thus providing a larger area for the conduction of heat across the thermal interface. Another object of the invention is to provide a fluidic coupling that has no fluid passing across the interface, thus reducing the likelihood of leaks and contamination. The foregoing objects are achieved by utilizing, as in the prior art, a hot area (at an elevated temperature as compared to a cold area) with a need to remove excess heat from the hot area to a cold area. In this device, the thermal interface will occur not on a planar horizontal surface, but along a non-planar vertical surface, which will reduce the reaction forces and increase the thermal conductivity of the device. One non-planar surface is a surface on a cold pin extending from the cold area and the other non-planar surface is a surface on a hot pin extending from the hot area. The cold pin is fixed and does not move while the hot pin is a flexible member and its movement towards the cold pin will bring the two non-planar surfaces together forming the thermal interface. The actuating member for the device is a shape-memory actuation wire which is attached through an aperture to the hot pin and through another aperture to an actuation wire retainer. By properly programming the actuation wire, heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot wire. Heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot pin towards the cold pin forming the coupling and the desired thermal interface. The shape-memory actuation wire is made of a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol.

Flash Foods' Job Creation and Petroleum Independence with E85

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walk, Steve

Protec Fuel Management project objectives are to help design, build, provide, promote and supply biofuels for the greater energy independence, national security and domestic economic growth through job creations, infrastructure projects and supply chain business stimulants.

The Use of Dietary Supplements to Alleviate Androgen Deprivation Therapy Side Effects during Prostate Cancer Treatment

PubMed Central

Dueregger, Andrea; Heidegger, Isabel; Ofer, Philipp; Perktold, Bernhard; Ramoner, Reinhold; Klocker, Helmut; Eder, Iris E.

2014-01-01

Prostate cancer (PCa), the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of male cancer death in Western societies, is typically androgen-dependent, a characteristic that underlies the rationale of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Approximately 90% of patients initially respond to ADT strategies, however many experience side effects including hot flashes, cardiotoxicity, metabolic and musculoskeletal alterations. This review summarizes pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the ability of dietary supplements to alleviate adverse effects arising from ADT. In particular, we focus on herbal compounds, phytoestrogens, selenium (Se), fatty acids (FA), calcium, and Vitamins D and E. Indeed, there is some evidence that calcium and Vitamin D can prevent the development of osteoporosis during ADT. On the other hand, caution should be taken with the antioxidants Se and Vitamin E until the basis underlying their respective association with type 2 diabetes mellitus and PCa tumor development has been clarified. However, many other promising supplements have not yet been subjected large-scale clinical trials making it difficult to assess their efficacy. Given the demographic trend of increased PCa diagnoses and dependence on ADT as a major therapeutic strategy, further studies are required to objectively evaluate these supplements as adjuvant for PCa patients receiving ADT. PMID:25338271

The Sensor Test for Orion RelNav Risk Mitigation (STORRM) Development Test Objective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christian, John A.; Hinkel, Heather; D'Souza, Christopher N.; Maguire, Sean; Patangan, Mogi

2011-01-01

The Sensor Test for Orion Relative-Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM) Development Test Objective (DTO) flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134 in May- June 2011, and was designed to characterize the performance of the flash LIDAR and docking camera being developed for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The flash LIDAR, called the Vision Navigation Sensor (VNS), will be the primary navigation instrument used by the Orion vehicle during rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking. The DC will be used by the Orion crew for piloting cues during docking. This paper provides an overview of the STORRM test objectives and the concept of operations. It continues with a description of STORRM's major hardware components, which include the VNS, docking camera, and supporting avionics. Next, an overview of crew and analyst training activities will describe how the STORRM team prepared for flight. Then an overview of in-flight data collection and analysis is presented. Key findings and results from this project are summarized. Finally, the paper concludes with lessons learned from the STORRM DTO.

The Hot Horizontal-Branch Stars in omega Centauri

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moehler, S.; Dreizler, S.; Lanz, T.; Bono, G.; Sweigart, A. V.; Calamida, A.; Nonino, M.

2010-01-01

Context. UV observations of some massive globular clusters have revealed a significant population of stars hotter and fainter than the hot end of the horizontal branch (HB), the so-called blue hook stars. This feature might be explained either by the late hot flasher scenario where stars experience the helium flash while on the white dwarf cooling curve or by the progeny of the helium-enriched sub-population recently postulated to exist in some clusters. Previous spectroscopic analyses of blue hook stars in co Cen and NGC 2808 support the late hot flasher scenario, but the stars contain much less helium than expected and the predicted C, N enrichment could not be verified. Aims. We compare observed effective temperatures, surface gravities, helium abundances, and carbon line strengths (where detectable) of our targets stars to the predictions of the two scenarios. Methods. Moderately high resolution spectra of hot HB stars in the globular cluster omega-Cen were analysed for radial velocity variations, atmospheric parameters and abundances using LTE and non-LTE model atmospheres. Results. We find no evidence for close binaries among our target stars. All stars below 30 000 K are helium-poor and very similar to HB stars observed in that temperature range in other globular clusters. In the temperature range 30000 K to 50000 K we find that 28% of our stars are helium-poor (log ((sup n)He/(sup n )H)< - 1.6), while 72% have roughly solar or super-solar helium abundance (log ((sup n)He/(sup n )H) >/= -1.5). We also find carbon enrichment strongly correlated with helium enrichment, with a maximum carbon enrichment of 3% by mass. Conclusions. The strong carbon enrichment in tandem with helium enrichment is predicted by the late hot flasher scenario, but not by the helium-enrichment scenario. We conclude that the helium-rich HB stars in omega-Cen cannot be explained solely by the helium-enrichment scenario invoked to explain the blue main sequence.

Hot DOGs: The Most Luminous Galaxies Found by WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenhardt, Peter; Tsai, Chao-Wei; Wu, Jingwen; Griffith, Roger; Yan, Lin; Stern, Daniel; Stanford, Adam; Blain, Andrew; Benford, Dominic; Bridge, Carrie; Assef, Roberto; Petty, Sara

2013-02-01

NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) has achieved its fundamental goal by delivering its all-sky survey at 3.4, 4.6, 12 and 22 (micron) (W1, W2, W3, and W4), reaching sensitivities hundreds of times deeper than IRAS. One of the two primary science objectives for WISE is to identify the most luminous galaxies in the Universe (Ultra-Luminous IR Galaxies, or ULIRGs). We have used WISE photometry to select an all- sky sample of objects which are extremely luminous, and for which Herschel far-IR follow-up observations are underway. The objects are prominent in W3 and W4, but faint or undetected in W1 and W2. Available spectroscopy and far IR photometry for these objects show they typically have redshifts z > 2 and luminosities over 10^13 L_odot, with about 10% exceeding 10^14 L_odot and rivaling the brightest known QSOs. Their dust is more than twice as hot as other IR luminous objects: they are hot dust obscured galaxies or ``hot DOGs," and may represent a new phase in galaxy evolution. We request NOAO time to obtain redshifts and optical and near IR photometry for the all-sky sample of the brightest hot DOGs, all of which are in our Herschel program. With existing and allocated observations, this request should complete the acquisition of these crucial data for this primary WISE science objective.

Hot DOGs: The Most Luminous Galaxies Found by WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenhardt, Peter; Tsai, Chao-Wei; Wu, Jingwen; Assef, Roberto; Stern, Daniel; Wright, Edward

2013-08-01

NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) has achieved its fundamental goal by delivering an all-sky survey at 3.4, 4.6, 12 and 22 (micron) (W1, W2, W3, and W4), reaching sensitivities hundreds of times deeper than IRAS. One of the two primary science objectives for WISE is to identify the most luminous galaxies in the Universe. We have used WISE photometry to select an all-sky sample of objects which are extremely luminous, and for which Herschel far-IR follow-up observations are 99% complete. The objects are prominent in W3 and W4, but faint or undetected in W1 and W2. The spectroscopy and far IR photometry for these objects show they typically have redshifts z > 2 and luminosities over 10^13 L_⊙, with about 5 - 10% exceeding 10^14 L_⊙ and rivaling the brightest known QSOs. Their dust is more than twice as hot as other IR luminous objects: they are hot dust obscured galaxies or ``hot DOGs," and may represent a new phase in galaxy evolution. Because our 2012B allocation had mixed weather, we request 2013B NOAO time to complete the collection of redshifts and optical and near IR photometry for this all-sky sample of the brightest hot DOGs. With existing and allocated observations, this request should complete the acquisition of these crucial data for this primary WISE science objective.

Forecasting Lightning Threat Using WRF Proxy Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCaul, E. W., Jr.

2010-01-01

Objectives: Given that high-resolution WRF forecasts can capture the character of convective outbreaks, we seek to: 1. Create WRF forecasts of LTG threat (1-24 h), based on 2 proxy fields from explicitly simulated convection: - graupel flux near -15 C (captures LTG time variability) - vertically integrated ice (captures LTG threat area). 2. Calibrate each threat to yield accurate quantitative peak flash rate densities. 3. Also evaluate threats for areal coverage, time variability. 4. Blend threats to optimize results. 5. Examine sensitivity to model mesh, microphysics. Methods: 1. Use high-resolution 2-km WRF simulations to prognose convection for a diverse series of selected case studies. 2. Evaluate graupel fluxes; vertically integrated ice (VII). 3. Calibrate WRF LTG proxies using peak total LTG flash rate densities from NALMA; relationships look linear, with regression line passing through origin. 4. Truncate low threat values to make threat areal coverage match NALMA flash extent density obs. 5. Blend proxies to achieve optimal performance 6. Study CAPS 4-km ensembles to evaluate sensitivities.

Miniature microwave powered steam sterilization chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atwater, James E.; Dahl, Roger W.; Garmon, Frank C.; Lunsford, Teddie D.; Michalek, William F.; Wheeler, Richard R., Jr.; Sauer, Richard L.

1997-10-01

A small device for the rapid ultrahigh temperature sterilization of surfaces is described. Microwave power generated by a 2.45 GHz magnetron is delivered via coaxial cable to a silicon carbide block housed within the chamber. Small quantities of water or aqueous hydrogen peroxide are introduced into the chamber. Upon application of power, the liquid flashes to vapor and superheats producing temperatures to 300 °C. The hot vapor permeates the enclosed space and contacts all exposed surfaces. Complete microbial kill of >10 6 colony forming units of the spore forming thermophile, Bacillus stearothermophilus, has been demonstrated using a variety of temperatures and exposure times in both steady state and thermal pulse modes of operation.

Geostatistical analysis of the flood risk perception queries in the village of Navaluenga (Central Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guardiola-Albert, Carolina; Díez-Herrero, Andrés; Amérigo, María; García, Juan Antonio; María Bodoque, José; Fernández-Naranjo, Nuria

2017-04-01

Flash floods provoke a high average mortality as they are usually unexpected events which evolve rapidly and affect relatively small areas. The short time available for minimizing risks requires preparedness and response actions to be put into practice. Therefore, it is necessary the development of emergency response plans to evacuate and rescue people in the context of a flash-flood hazard. In this framework, risk management has to integrate the social dimension of flash-flooding and its spatial distribution by understanding the characteristics of local communities in order to enhance community resilience during a flash-flood. In this regard, the flash-flood social risk perception of the village of Navaluenga (Central Spain) has been recently assessed, as well as the level of awareness of civil protection and emergency management strategies (Bodoque et al., 2016). This has been done interviewing 254 adults, representing roughly 12% of the population census. The present study wants to go further in the analysis of the resulting questionnaires, incorporating in the analysis the location of home spatial coordinates in order to characterize the spatial distribution and possible geographical interpretation of flood risk perception. We apply geostatistical methods to analyze spatial relations of social risk perception and level of awareness with distance to the rivers (Alberche and Chorrerón) or to the flood-prone areas (50-year, 100-year and 500-year flood plains). We want to discover spatial patterns, if any, using correlation functions (variograms). Geostatistical analyses results can help to either confirm the logical pattern (i.e., less awareness further to the rivers or high return period of flooding) or reveal departures from expected. It can also be possible to identify hot spots, cold spots, and spatial outliers. The interpretation of these spatial patterns can give valuable information to define strategies to improve the awareness regarding preparedness and response actions, such as designing optimal evacuation routes during flood emergencies. Geostatistical tools also provide a set of interpolation techniques for the prediction of the variable value at unstudied similar locations, basing on the sample point values and other variables related with the measured variable. We attempt different geostatistical interpolation methods to obtain continuous surfaces of the risk perception and level of awareness in the study area. The use of these maps for future extensions and actualizations of the Civil Protection Plan is evaluated. References Bodoque, J. M., Amérigo, M., Díez-Herrero, A., García, J. A., Cortés, B., Ballesteros-Cánovas, J. A., & Olcina, J. (2016). Improvement of resilience of urban areas by integrating social perception in flash-flood risk management.Journal of Hydrology.

Hot subdwarfs formed from the merger of two He white dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwab, Josiah

2018-06-01

We perform stellar evolution calculations of the remnant of the merger of two He white dwarfs (WDs). Our initial conditions are taken from hydrodynamic simulations of double WD mergers and the viscous disc phase that follows. We evolve these objects from shortly after the merger into their core He-burning phase, when they appear as hot subdwarf stars. We use our models to quantify the amount of H that survives the merger, finding that it is difficult for ≳ 10^{-4} M_{⊙} of H to survive, with even less being concentrated in the surface layers of the object. We also study the rotational evolution of these merger remnants. We find that mass-loss over the {˜ } 10^4 yr following the merger can significantly reduce the angular momentum of these objects. As hot subdwarfs, our models have moderate surface rotation velocities of 30-100 km s-1. The properties of our models are not representative of many apparently isolated hot subdwarfs, suggesting that those objects may form via other channels or that our modelling is incomplete. However, a sub-population of hot subdwarfs are moderate-to-rapid rotators and/or have He-rich atmospheres. Our models help to connect the observed properties of these objects to their progenitor systems.

Why Flash Type Matters: A Statistical Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mecikalski, Retha M.; Bitzer, Phillip M.; Carey, Lawrence D.

2017-09-01

While the majority of research only differentiates between intracloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes, there exists a third flash type, known as hybrid flashes. These flashes have extensive IC components as well as return strokes to ground but are misclassified as CG flashes in current flash type analyses due to the presence of a return stroke. In an effort to show that IC, CG, and hybrid flashes should be separately classified, the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test was applied to the flash sizes, flash initiation, and flash propagation altitudes for each of the three flash types. The KS test statistically showed that IC, CG, and hybrid flashes do not have the same parent distributions and thus should be separately classified. Separate classification of hybrid flashes will lead to improved lightning-related research, because unambiguously classified hybrid flashes occur on the same order of magnitude as CG flashes for multicellular storms.

Determining the coordinates of lamps in an illumination dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Lindsay W.; Ahmadabadian, Ali H.; Robson, Stuart

2015-05-01

The UCL Dome consists of an acrylic hemisphere of nominal diameter 1030 mm, fitted with 64 flash lights, arranged in three tiers of 16, one tier of 12, and one tier of 4 lights at approximately equal intervals. A Nikon D200 digital camera is mounted on a rigid steel frame at the `north pole' of the dome pointing vertically downwards with its optical axis normal to the horizontal baseboard in the `equatorial' plane. It is used to capture sets of images in pixel register for visualisation and surface reconstruction. Three techniques were employed for the geometric calibration of flash light positions in the dome: (1) the shadow cast by a vertical pin onto graph paper; (2) multi-image photogrammetry with retro-reflective targets; and (3) multi-image photogrammetry using the flash lights themselves as targets. The precision of the coordinates obtained by the three techniques was analysed, and it was found that although photogrammetric methods could locate individual targets to an accuracy of 20 μm, the uncertainty of locating the centroids of the flash lights was approximately 1.5 mm. This result was considered satisfactory for the purposes of using the dome for photometric imaging, and in particular for the visualisation of object surfaces by the polynomial texture mapping (PTM) technique.

Guidelines for operating traffic signals during low-volume conditions

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-08-01

The main objective of this research is to investigate the performance of flashing traffic signals as a device to control traffic periods with low traffic volumes, particularly during late night/early morning hours. First, the study identifies the mai...

Relationship between convective precipitation and lightning activity using radar quantitative precipitation estimates and total lightning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineda, N.; Rigo, T.; Bech, J.; Argemí, O.

2009-09-01

Thunderstorms can be characterized by both rainfall and lightning. The relationship between convective precipitation and lightning activity may be used as an indicator of the rainfall regime. Besides, a better knowledge of local thunderstorm phenomenology can be very useful to assess weather surveillance tasks. Two types of approach can be distinguished in the bibliography when analyzing the rainfall and lightning activity. On one hand, rain yields (ratio of rain mass to cloud-to-ground flash over a common area) calculated for long temporal and spatial domains and using rain-gauge records to estimate the amounts of precipitation. On the other hand, a case-by-case approach has been used in many studies to analyze the relationship between convective precipitation and lightning in individual storms, using weather radar data to estimate rainfall volumes. Considering a local thunderstorm case study approach, the relation between rainfall and lightning is usually quantified as the Rainfall-Lightning ratio (RLR). This ratio estimates the convective rainfall volume per lightning flash. Intense storms tend to produce lower RLR values than moderate storms, but the range of RLR found in diverse studies is quite wide. This relationship depends on thunderstorm type, local climatology, convective regime, type of lightning flashes considered, oceanic and continental storms, etc. The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between convective precipitation and lightning in a case-by-case approach, by means of daily radar-derived quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) and total lightning data, obtained from observations of the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya remote sensing systems, which covers an area of approximately 50000 km2 in the NE of the Iberian Peninsula. The analyzed dataset is composed by 45 thunderstorm days from April to October 2008. A good daily correlation has been found between the radar QPE and the CG flash counts (best linear fit with a R^2=0.74). The daily RLR found has a mean value of 86 10^3m3 rainfall volume per CG flash. The daily range of variation is quite wide, as it goes from 19 to 222 10^3m3 per CG flash. This variation has a seasonal component, related to changes in the convective regime. Summer days (July to middle September) had a mean RLR of 57 10^3m3 rainfall volume per CG flash, while from middle September to the end of October the rainfall volume per CG flash doubles (mean of 125 10^3m3 per CG flash).

Design philosophy and operating experience with the WNRE Hot Cell Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hart, R.G.; Seymour, C.G.; Ryz, M.A.

1969-10-15

The objective of radiation safety and operating efficiency often conflict. The key to preventing this conflict is proper design. In this paper we discuss how both objectives have been met in the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment (WNRE) Hot Cell Facilities.

An extrasolar extreme-ultraviolet object. II - The nature of HZ 43. [hot white dwarf star

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margon, B.; Liebert, J.; Lampton, M.; Spinrad, H.; Bowyer, S.; Gatewood, G.

1976-01-01

A variety of data are presented concerning the spectrum, distance, temperature, and evolutionary state of the hot white dwarf HZ 43, the first extrasolar object to be detected in the EUV band. The data include spectrophotometry of the star and its red dwarf companion (HZ 43B), a trigonometric parallax for the star, its tangential velocity, and results of soft X-ray and EUV observations. The main conclusions are that: (1) the spectrum of HZ 43A is that of a hot DAwk star, (2) HZ 43B is a dM3.5e star, (3) the distance of the system is about 65 pc, (4) the tangential velocity is not atypical of white dwarfs, and (5) the stellar energy distribution of HZ 43A is well fitted by a black body with an effective temperature of approximately 110,000 K. Evolutionary implications of the existence of an object as hot as HZ 43A are briefly considered, and it is suggested that the progenitors of hot DA stars must include objects hotter than spectral type sdB, with logical possibilities being nuclei of planetary nebulae and sdO stars.

Musicians have enhanced audiovisual multisensory binding: experience-dependent effects in the double-flash illusion.

PubMed

Bidelman, Gavin M

2016-10-01

Musical training is associated with behavioral and neurophysiological enhancements in auditory processing for both musical and nonmusical sounds (e.g., speech). Yet, whether the benefits of musicianship extend beyond enhancements to auditory-specific skills and impact multisensory (e.g., audiovisual) processing has yet to be fully validated. Here, we investigated multisensory integration of auditory and visual information in musicians and nonmusicians using a double-flash illusion, whereby the presentation of multiple auditory stimuli (beeps) concurrent with a single visual object (flash) induces an illusory perception of multiple flashes. We parametrically varied the onset asynchrony between auditory and visual events (leads and lags of ±300 ms) to quantify participants' "temporal window" of integration, i.e., stimuli in which auditory and visual cues were fused into a single percept. Results show that musically trained individuals were both faster and more accurate at processing concurrent audiovisual cues than their nonmusician peers; nonmusicians had a higher susceptibility for responding to audiovisual illusions and perceived double flashes over an extended range of onset asynchronies compared to trained musicians. Moreover, temporal window estimates indicated that musicians' windows (<100 ms) were ~2-3× shorter than nonmusicians' (~200 ms), suggesting more refined multisensory integration and audiovisual binding. Collectively, findings indicate a more refined binding of auditory and visual cues in musically trained individuals. We conclude that experience-dependent plasticity of intensive musical experience extends beyond simple listening skills, improving multimodal processing and the integration of multiple sensory systems in a domain-general manner.

The Hottest Horizontal-Branch Stars in Omega Centauri: Late Hot Flasher vs. Helium Enrichment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moehler, S.; Dreizler, S.; Lanz, T.; Bono, G.; Sweigart, A V.; Calamida, A.; Monelli, M.; Nonino, M.

2007-01-01

UV observations of some massive globular clusters uncovered a significant population of very hot stars below the hot end of the horizontal branch (HB), the so-called blue hook stars. This feature might be explained either by the late hot flasher scenario here stars experience the helium flash while on the white dwarf cooling curve or by the helium-rich sub-population recently postulated to exist in some clusters. Spectroscopic analyses of blue hook stars in omega Cen and NGC 2808 support the late hot flasher scenario, but the stars contain much less helium than expected and the predicted C, N enrichment could not be verified from existing data. We want to determine effective temperatures, surface gravities and abundances of He, C, N in blue hook and canonical extreme horizontal branch (EHB) star candidates. Moderately high resolution spectra of stars at the hot end of the blue horizontal branch in the globular cluster omega Cen were analysed for atmospheric parameters (T(sub eff), log g) and abundances using LTE and Non-LTE model atmospheres. In the temperature range 30,000 K to 50,000 K we find that 37% of our stars are helium-poor (log nHe/nH less than -2), 49% have solar helium abundance within a factor of 3 (-1.5 less than or equal to log nHe/nH less than or equal to -0.5) and 14% are helium rich (log nHe/nH greater than -0.4). We also find carbon enrichment in step with helium enrichment, with a maximum carbon enrichment of 3% by mass. At least 30% of the hottest HB stars in omega Centauri show helium abundances well above the predictions from the helium enrichment scenario (Y = 0.42 corresponding to log nHe/nH approximately equal to -0.74). In addition the most helium-rich stars show strong carbon enrichment as predicted by the late hot flasher scenario. We conclude that the helium-rich HB stars in omega Cen cannot be explained solely by the helium-enrichment scenario invoked to explain the blue main sequence.

Lightning hazard region over the maritime continent observed from satellite and climate change threat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilhamsyah, Y.; Koesmaryono, Y.; Hidayat, R.; Murjaya, J.; Nurjaya, I. W.; Rizwan

2017-02-01

Climate change would lead to such hydrometeorological disaster as: flash-flood, landslide, hailstone, lightning, and twister become more likely to happen in the future. In terms of lightning event, one research question arise of where lightning would be mostly to strike over the Maritime Continent (MC)?. The objective of the research is to investigate region with high-density of lightning activity over MC by mapping climatological features of lightning flashes derived from onboard NASA-TRMM Satellite, i.e. Optical Transient Detector/Lightning Imaging Sensor (OTD/LIS). Based on data retrieved since 1995-2013, it is seasonally observed that during transition season March to May, region with high vulnerability of lightning flashes cover the entire Sumatra Island, the Malacca Strait, and Peninsular Malaysia as well as Java Island. High-frequent of lightning activity over the Malacca Strait is unique since it is the only sea-region in the world where lightning flashes are denser. As previously mentioned that strong lightning activity over the strait is driven by mesoscale convective system of Sumatra Squalls due to convergences of land breeze between Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Lightning activity over the strait is continuously observed throughout season despite the intensity reduced. Java Island, most populated island, receive high-density of lightning flashes during rainy season (December to February) but small part in the northwestern of Java Island, e.g., Bogor and surrounding areas, the density of lightning flashes are high throughout season. Northern and southern parts of Kalimantan and Central part of Sulawesi are also prone to lightning activity particularly during transition season March to May and September to November. In the eastern part of MC, Papua receive denser lightning flashes during September to November. It is found that lightning activity are mostly concentrated over land instead of ocean which is in accordance with diurnal convective precipitation event due to the existence of numerous mountainous island in MC. The malacca strait however is the only exception and turn into a unique characteristic of convective system over MC and the only sea-region in the world where lightning activity is the greatest.

C-H Hot Bands in the Near-IR Emission Spectra of Leonids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, F. T.; Scoville, J.; Holm, R.; Seelemann, R.; Freund, M. M.

2002-01-01

The reported infrared (IR) emission spectra from 1999 Leonid fireballs show a 3.4 micron C-H emission band and unidentified bands at longer wavelengths. Upon atmospheric entry, the Leonid meteorites were flash-heated to temperatures around 2400K, which would destroy any organics on the surface of the meteorite grains. We propose that the nu(sub )CH emission band in the Leonid emission spectra arises from matrix-embedded C(sub n)-H-O entities that are protected from instant pyrolysis. Our model is based on IR absorption nu(sub )CH bands, which we observed in laboratory-grown MgO and natural olivine single crystals, where they arise from C(sub n)-H-O units imbedded in the mineral matrix, indicative of aliphatic -CH2- and -CH3 organics. Instead of being pyrolyzed, the C(sub n)-H-O entities in the Leonid trails become vibrationally excited to higher levels n = 1, 2, 3 etc. During de-excitation they emit at 3.4 microns, due to the (0 => 1) transition, and at longer wavelengths, due to hot bands. As a first step toward verifying this hypothesis we measured the C-H vibrational manifold of hexane (C6H14). The calculated positions of the (2 => l ) , (3 => 2), and possibly (4 => 3) hot bands agree with the Leonid emission bands at 3.5, 3.8 and 4.l microns.

Association of genetic variation in the tachykinin receptor 3 locus with hot flashes and night sweats in the Women's Health Initiative Study.

PubMed

Crandall, Carolyn J; Manson, JoAnn E; Hohensee, Chancellor; Horvath, Steve; Wactawski-Wende, Jean; LeBlanc, Erin S; Vitolins, Mara Z; Nassir, Rami; Sinsheimer, Janet S

2017-03-01

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS, ie, hot flashes or night sweats) are reported by many, but not all, women. The extent to which VMS are genetically determined is unknown. We evaluated the relationship of genetic variation and VMS. In this observational study, we accessed data from three genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (SNP Health Association Resource cohort [SHARe], WHI Memory Study cohort [WHIMS+], and Genome-Wide Association Studies of Treatment Response in Randomized Clinical Trials [GARNET] studies, total n = 17,695) of European American, African American, and Hispanic American postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years at baseline in the Women's Health Initiative Study. We examined genetic variation in relation to VMS (yes/no) in each study and using trans-ethnic inverse variance fixed-effects meta-analysis. A total of 11,078,977 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) met the quality criteria. After adjustment for covariates and population structure, three SNPs (on chromosomes 3 and 11) were associated with VMS at the genome-wide threshold of 5 × 10 in the African American SHARe GWAS, but were not associated in the other cohorts. In the meta-analysis, 14 SNPs, all located on chromosome 4 in the tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3) locus, however, had P < 5 × 10. These SNPs' effect sizes were similar across studies/participants' ancestry (odds ratio ∼1.5). Genetic variation in TACR3 may contribute to the risk of VMS. To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to examine SNPs associated with VMS. These results support the biological hypothesis of a role for TACR3 in VMS, which was previously hypothesized from animal and human studies. Further study of these variants may lead to new insights into the biological pathways involved in VMS, which are poorly understood.

Soy, Red Clover, and Isoflavones and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Fritz, Heidi; Seely, Dugald; Flower, Gillian; Skidmore, Becky; Fernandes, Rochelle; Vadeboncoeur, Sarah; Kennedy, Deborah; Cooley, Kieran; Wong, Raimond; Sagar, Stephen; Sabri, Elham; Fergusson, Dean

2013-01-01

Background Soy and red clover isoflavones are controversial due to purported estrogenic activity and possible effects on breast cancer. We conducted a systematic review of soy and red clover for efficacy in improving menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer, and for potential impact on risk of breast cancer incidence or recurrence. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and AMED from inception to March 2013 for human interventional or observational data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of soy and red clover isoflavones in patients with or at risk of breast cancer. Results Of 4179 records, we included a total of 131 articles: 40 RCTs, 11 uncontrolled trials, and 80 observational studies. Five RCTs reported on the efficacy of soy for hot flashes, showing no significant reductions in hot flashes compared to placebo. There is lack of evidence showing harm from use of soy with respect to risk of breast cancer or recurrence, based on long term observational data. Soy intake consistent with that of a traditional Japanese diet (2-3 servings daily, containing 25-50mg isoflavones) may be protective against breast cancer and recurrence. Human trials show that soy does not increase circulating estradiol or affect estrogen-responsive target tissues. Prospective data of soy use in women taking tamoxifen does not indicate increased risk of recurrence. Evidence on red clover is limited, however existing studies suggest that it may not possess breast cancer-promoting effects. Conclusion Soy consumption may be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer incidence, recurrence, and mortality. Soy does not have estrogenic effects in humans. Soy intake consistent with a traditional Japanese diet appears safe for breast cancer survivors. While there is no clear evidence of harm, better evidence confirming safety is required before use of high dose (≥100mg) isoflavones can be recommended for breast cancer patients. PMID:24312387

Menopausal symptoms and associated factors in HIV-positive women.

PubMed

Lui-Filho, Jeffrey F; Valadares, Ana Lúcia R; Gomes, Debora de C; Amaral, Eliana; Pinto-Neto, Aarão M; Costa-Paiva, Lúcia

2013-10-01

To evaluate menopausal symptoms and their associated factors in HIV-positive women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 537 women of 40-60 years of age, 273 of whom were HIV-positive and 264 HIV-negative. The women were interviewed to obtain data on their sociodemographic characteristics and menopausal symptoms. The mean age of the seropositive women was 47.7±5.8 years compared to 49.8±5.3 for the seronegative women (p<0.001). Bivariate analysis showed a lower prevalence of vasomotor symptoms in the seropositive group (p=0.009), specifically hot flashes (p<0.002) and sweating (p=0.049). Vaginal dryness was also less prevalent in this group (p<0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to depression or insomnia. Multiple analysis showed that hot flashes were associated with being peri- or postmenopausal (PR=2.12; 95%CI: 1.52-2.94). Vaginal dryness was less common in women without a partner (PR=0.67; 95%CI: 0.49-0.90) and was associated with older age (PR=1.03; 95%CI: 1.01-1.06) and being in the peri- or postmenopause (PR=1.69; 95%CI: 1.10-2.60). Depression was inversely associated with being employed (PR=0.74; 95%CI: 0.58-0.96) and directly associated with the presence of chronic diseases (PR=1.30; 95%CI: 1.01-1.067). Insomnia was associated with a lower body mass index (PR=0.96; 95%CI: 0.95-0.97) and with being peri- or postmenopausal (PR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.11-1.97). No correlation was found between HIV serological status and any of the menopausal symptoms. In this study, after controlling for confounding variables, HIV infection was not found to be associated with vasomotor, genitourinary or psychological symptoms or with insomnia. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Armodafinil for fatigue associated with menopause: an open-label trial.

PubMed

Meyer, Fremonta; Freeman, Marlene P; Petrillo, Laura; Barsky, Maria; Galvan, Thania; Kim, Semmie; Cohen, Lee; Joffe, Hadine

2016-02-01

This study aims to obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of armodafinil for improving menopause-related fatigue and quality of life. Women (aged 40-65 y) experiencing menopause-related fatigue received open-label armodafinil therapy (up to 150 mg/d) for 4 weeks. Changes from baseline in Brief Fatigue Inventory score and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) physical domain score were examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Exploratory analyses examined the effects of armodafinil on hot flashes, overall quality of life, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and perceived cognitive performance. After open-label treatment, participants were randomized to double-blind continuation of armodafinil versus placebo for 2 weeks to examine whether treatment discontinuation would precipitate symptom recurrence. Of 29 eligible participants, 20 women (69.0%) completed the trial. During treatment with armodafinil (mean dose, 120 mg/d), median Brief Fatigue Inventory scores decreased by 57.7% from 5.2 (interquartile range [IQR], 4.6-6.2) to 2.2 (IQR, 1.1-4.4; P = 0.0002), and median MENQOL physical domain scores decreased by 51.3% from 3.9 (IQR, 2.3-4.8) to 1.9 (IQR, 1.3-2.7; P = 0.0001). Median hot flashes for 24 hours decreased by 48.3% from 2.9 (IQR, 1.1-4.6) to 1.5 (IQR, 0.4-2.4; P = 0.0005). Improvements in MENQOL total score (49%; P = 0.0001), cognitive function (59.2%; P = 0.0002), depressive symptoms (64.7%; P = 0.0006), insomnia (72.7%; P = 0.0012), and excessive sleepiness (57.1%; P = 0.0006) were noted. Randomized continuation (n = 10) or discontinuation (n = 10) did not indicate group differences. Armodafinil was well-tolerated; three women (12%) were withdrawn for adverse events. These preliminary results suggest a therapeutic effect of armodafinil on fatigue affecting quality of life during menopause, and a potential benefit for other menopause-related symptoms.

Flash X-ray with image enhancement applied to combustion events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, K. J.; McCoy, D. G.

1983-10-01

Flow visualization of interior ballistic processes by use of X-rays has placed more stringent requirements on flash X-ray techniques. The problem of improving radiographic contrast of propellants in X-ray transparent chambers was studied by devising techniques for evaluating, measuring and reducing the effects of scattering from both the test object and structures in the test area. X-ray film and processing is reviewed and techniques for evaluating and calibrating these are outlined. Finally, after X-ray techniques were optimized, the application of image enhancement processing which can improve image quality is described. This technique was applied to X-ray studies of the combustion of very high burning rate (VHBR) propellants and stick propellant charges.

Single-particle coherent diffractive imaging with a soft x-ray free electron laser: towards soot aerosol morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogan, Michael J.; Starodub, Dmitri; Hampton, Christina Y.; Sierra, Raymond G.

2010-10-01

The first of its kind, the Free electron LASer facility in Hamburg, FLASH, produces soft x-ray pulses with unprecedented properties (10 fs, 6.8-47 nm, 1012 photons per pulse, 20 µm diameter). One of the seminal FLASH experiments is single-pulse coherent x-ray diffractive imaging (CXDI). CXDI utilizes the ultrafast and ultrabright pulses to overcome resolution limitations in x-ray microscopy imposed by x-ray-induced damage to the sample by 'diffracting before destroying' the sample on sub-picosecond timescales. For many lensless imaging algorithms used for CXDI it is convenient when the data satisfy an oversampling constraint that requires the sample to be an isolated object, i.e. an individual 'free-standing' portion of disordered matter delivered to the centre of the x-ray focus. By definition, this type of matter is an aerosol. This paper will describe the role of aerosol science methodologies used for the validation of the 'diffract before destroy' hypothesis and the execution of the first single-particle CXDI experiments being developed for biological imaging. FLASH CXDI now enables the highest resolution imaging of single micron-sized or smaller airborne particulate matter to date while preserving the native substrate-free state of the aerosol. Electron microscopy offers higher resolution for single-particle analysis but the aerosol must be captured on a substrate, potentially modifying the particle morphology. Thus, FLASH is poised to contribute significant advancements in our knowledge of aerosol morphology and dynamics. As an example, we simulate CXDI of combustion particle (soot) morphology and introduce the concept of extracting radius of gyration of fractal aggregates from single-pulse x-ray diffraction data. Future upgrades to FLASH will enable higher spatially and temporally resolved single-particle aerosol dynamics studies, filling a critical technological need in aerosol science and nanotechnology. Many of the methodologies described for FLASH will directly translate to use at hard x-ray free electron lasers.

Novel short-pulse laser diode source for high-resolution 3D flash lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canal, Celine; Laugustin, Arnaud; Kohl, Andreas; Rabot, Olivier

2017-06-01

Imaging based on laser illumination is present in various fields of applications such as medicine, security, defense, civil engineering and in the automotive sector. In this last domain, research and development to bring autonomous vehicles on the roads has been intensified the recent years. Among the various technologies currently studied, automotive lidars are a fast-growing one due to their accuracy to detect a wide range of objects at distances up to a few hundreds of meters in various weather conditions. First commercialized devices for ADAS were laser scanners. Since then, new architectures have recently appeared such as solid-state lidar and flash lidar that offer a higher compactness, robustness and a cost reduction. Flash lidars are based on time-of-flight measurements, with the particularity that they do not require beam scanners because only one short laser pulse with a large divergence is used to enlighten the whole scene. Depth of encountered objects can then be recovered from measurement of echoed light at once, hence enabling real-time 3D mapping of the environment. This paper will bring into the picture a cutting edge laser diode source that can deliver millijoule pulses as short as 12 ns, which makes them highly suitable for integration in flash lidars. They provide a 100-kW peak power highly divergent beam in a footprint of 4x5 cm2 (including both the laser diode and driver) and with a 30-% electrical-to-optical efficiency, making them suitable for integration in environments in which compactness and power consumption are a priority. Their emission in the range of 800-1000 nm is considered to be eye safe when taking into account the high divergence of the output beam. An overview of architecture of these state-of-the-art pulsed laser diode sources will be given together with some solutions for their integration in 3D mapping systems. Future work leads will be discussed for miniaturization of the laser diode and drastic cost reduction.

A New Approach to Defining Human Touch Temperature Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ungar, Eugene; Stroud, Kenneth

2010-01-01

Defining touch temperature limits for skin contact with both hot and cold objects is important to prevent pain and skin damage, which may affect task performance or become a safety concern. Pain and skin damage depend on the skin temperature during contact, which depends on the contact thermal conductance, the object's initial temperature, and its material properties. However, previous spacecraft standards have incorrectly defined touch temperature limits in terms of a single object temperature value for all materials, or have provided limited material-specific values which do not cover the gamut of likely designs. A new approach has been developed for updated NASA standards, which defines touch temperature limits in terms of skin temperature at pain onset for bare skin contact with hot and cold objects. The authors have developed an analytical verification method for safe hot and cold object temperatures for contact times from 1 second to infinity.

A New Approach to Defining Human Touch Temperature Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ungar, Eugene; Stroud, Kenneth

2009-01-01

Defining touch temperature limits for skin contact with both hot and cold objects is important to prevent pain and skin damage, which may affect task performance or become a safety concern. Pain and skin damage depend on the resulting skin temperature during contact, which depends on the object s initial temperature, its material properties and its ability to transfer heat. However, previous spacecraft standards have incorrectly defined touch temperature limits in terms of a single object temperature value for all materials, or have provided limited material-specific values which do not cover the gamut of most designs. A new approach is being used in new NASA standards, which defines touch temperature limits in terms of skin temperature at pain onset for bare skin contact with hot and cold objects. The authors have developed an analytical verification method for safe hot and cold object temperatures for contact times from 1 second to infinity.

Adaptive P300 based control system

PubMed Central

Jin, Jing; Allison, Brendan Z.; Sellers, Eric W.; Brunner, Clemens; Horki, Petar; Wang, Xingyu; Neuper, Christa

2015-01-01

An adaptive P300 brain-computer interface (BCI) using a 12 × 7 matrix explored new paradigms to improve bit rate and accuracy. During online use, the system adaptively selects the number of flashes to average. Five different flash patterns were tested. The 19-flash paradigm represents the typical row/column presentation (i.e., 12 columns and 7 rows). The 9- and 14-flash A & B paradigms present all items of the 12 × 7 matrix three times using either nine or 14 flashes (instead of 19), decreasing the amount of time to present stimuli. Compared to 9-flash A, 9-flash B decreased the likelihood that neighboring items would flash when the target was not flashing, thereby reducing interference from items adjacent to targets. 14-flash A also reduced adjacent item interference and 14-flash B additionally eliminated successive (double) flashes of the same item. Results showed that accuracy and bit rate of the adaptive system were higher than the non-adaptive system. In addition, 9- and 14-flash B produced significantly higher performance than their respective A conditions. The results also show the trend that the 14-flash B paradigm was better than the 19-flash pattern for naïve users. PMID:21474877

Exploring stop-go decision zones at rural high-speed intersections with flashing green signal and insufficient yellow time in China.

PubMed

Tang, Keshuang; Xu, Yanqing; Wang, Fen; Oguchi, Takashi

2016-10-01

The objective of this study is to empirically analyze and model the stop-go decision behavior of drivers at rural high-speed intersections in China, where a flashing green signal of 3s followed by a yellow signal of 3s is commonly applied to end a green phase. 1, 186 high-resolution vehicle trajectories were collected at four typical high-speed intersection approaches in Shanghai and used for the identification of actual stop-go decision zones and the modeling of stop-go decision behavior. Results indicate that the presence of flashing green significantly changed the theoretical decision zones based on the conventional Dilemma Zone theory. The actual stop-go decision zones at the study intersections were thus formulated and identified based on the empirical data. Binary Logistic model and Fuzzy Logic model were then developed to further explore the impacts of flashing green on the stop-go behavior of drivers. It was found that the Fuzzy Logic model could produce comparably good estimation results as compared to the traditional Binary Logistic models. The findings of this study could contribute the development of effective dilemma zone protection strategies, the improvement of stop-go decision model embedded in the microscopic traffic simulation software and the proper design of signal change and clearance intervals at high-speed intersections in China. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charge transfer efficiency in HST WFC3/UVIS: monitoring and mitigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baggett, Sylvia M.; Anderson, Jay; Sosey, Megan L.; Bourque, Matthew; Martlin, Catherine; Kurtz, Heather; Shanahan, Clare; Kozhurina-Platais, Vera; Sabbi, Elena; WFC3 Team

2017-01-01

The UVIS channel of the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) contains a 4096x4096 pixel e2v CCD array. The detectors have been performing well on-orbit but as expected, are exhibiting the cumulative effects of radiation damage. The result is a growing hot pixel population and declining charge transfer efficiency. We summarize the progression of the CTE losses, their effects on science data, and discuss two of the primary mitigation options: post-flash and a pixel-based CTE correction. The latter is now part of the automated WFC3 calibration pipeline in the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST), providing observers with both standard and CTE-corrected data products.

[Systematic evaluation of clinical application of Dingkun Dan].

PubMed

Chen, Yan-xia; Ma, Kun

2015-10-01

Dingkun Dan is a representative of the classic gynecological medicine. With Tonifying the liver and kidney, supplementing Qi and nourishing blood, regulating menstruation Shuyu, promoting the role of pain. Used in treatment of liver and kidney deficiency, deficiency of both qi and blood, Qi stagnation and blood stasis caused by irregular menstruation, menstrual pain, uterine bleeding, leukorrhea with reddish discharge, bruise blood removal, infertility, and various postpartum deficiency and bone steaming hot flashes of gynecological common disease. In recent years, Dingkun Dan's new uses have been reported, the clinical application value is worth further digging. In this paper, clinical application and research progress of Dingkun Dan since the founding of new China were briefly discussed, and summarize for the randomized controlled trials.

On a thermonuclear origin for the 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sion, Edward M.

1993-01-01

The puzzling 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul is discussed in terms of a sequence of quasi-static evolutionary models of a hot, 0.5 solar mass white dwarf accreting H-rich matter at a rate 1 x 10 exp -8 solar mass/yr. On the basis of the morphological behavior of the models, it is suggested that the deep light minimum of PU Vul could have been the result of two successive, closely spaced, hydrogen shell flashes on an accreting white dwarf whose core thermal structure and accreted H-rich envelope was not in a long-term thermal 'cycle-averaged' steady state with the rate of accretion.

Kinematic and Microphysical Control of Lightning Flash Rate over Northern Alabama

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, Lawrence D.; Bain, Anthony L.; Matthee, Retha; Schultz, Christopher J.; Schultz, Elise V.; Deierling, Wiebke; Petersen, Walter A.

2015-01-01

The Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry (DC3) experiment seeks to examine the relationship between deep convection and the production of nitrogen oxides (NO (sub x)) via lightning (LNO (sub x)). A critical step in estimating LNO (sub x) production in a cloud-resolving model (CRM) without explicit lightning is to estimate the flash rate from available model parameters that are statistically and physically correlated. As such, the objective of this study is to develop, improve and evaluate lightning flash rate parameterizations in a variety of meteorological environments and storm types using radar and lightning mapping array (LMA) observations taken over Northern Alabama from 2005-2012, including during DC3. UAH's Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR) and the Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 Doppler (WSR 88D) located at Hytop (KHTX) comprises the dual-Doppler and polarimetric radar network, which has been in operation since 2004. The northern Alabama LMA (NA LMA) in conjunction with Vaisala's National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) allow for a detailed depiction of total lightning during this period. This study will integrate ARMOR-KHTX dual Doppler/polarimetric radar and NA LMA lightning observations from past and ongoing studies, including the more recent DC3 results, over northern Alabama to form a large data set of 15-20 case days and over 20 individual storms, including both ordinary multicell and supercell convection. Several flash rate parameterizations will be developed and tested, including those based on 1) graupel/small hail volume; 2) graupel/small hail mass, and 3) convective updraft volume. Sensitivity of the flash rate parameterizations to storm intensity, storm morphology and environmental conditions will be explored.

The 13 years of TRMM Lightning Imaging Sensor: From Individual Flash Characteristics to Decadal Tendencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albrecht, R. I.; Goodman, S. J.; Petersen, W. A.; Buechler, D. E.; Bruning, E. C.; Blakeslee, R. J.; Christian, H. J.

2011-01-01

How often lightning strikes the Earth has been the object of interest and research for decades. Several authors estimated different global flash rates using ground-based instruments, but it has been the satellite era that enabled us to monitor lightning thunderstorm activity on the time and place that lightning exactly occurs. Launched into space as a component of NASA s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, in November 1997, the Lighting Imaging Sensor (LIS) is still operating. LIS detects total lightning (i.e., intracloud and cloud-to-ground) from space in a low-earth orbit (35deg orbit). LIS has collected lightning measurements for 13 years (1998-2010) and here we present a fully revised and current total lightning climatology over the tropics. Our analysis includes the individual flash characteristics (number of events and groups, total radiance, area footprint, etc.), composite climatological maps, and trends for the observed total lightning during these 13 years. We have identified differences in the energetics of the flashes and/or the optical scattering properties of the storms cells due to cell-relative variations in microphysics and kinematics (i.e., convective or stratiform rainfall). On the climatological total lightning maps we found a dependency on the scale of analysis (resolution) in identifying the lightning maximums in the tropics. The analysis of total lightning trends observed by LIS from 1998 to 2010 in different temporal (annual and seasonal) and spatial (large and regional) scales, showed no systematic trends in the median to lower-end of the distributions, but most places in the tropics presented a decrease in the highest total lightning flash rates (higher-end of the distributions).

Total Lightning Characteristics with Respect to Radar-Derived Mesocyclone Strength

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stough, Sarah M.; Carey, Lawrence D.; Schultz, Christopher J.

2015-01-01

Recent work investigating the microphysical and kinematic relationship between a storm's updraft, its total lightning production, and manifestations of severe weather has resulted in development of tools for improved nowcasting of storm intensity. The total lightning jump algorithm, which identifies rapid increases in total lightning flash rate that often precede severe events, has shown particular potential to benefit warning operations. Maximizing this capability of total lightning and its operational implementation via the lightning jump may best be done through its fusion with radar and radar-derived intensity metrics. Identification of a mesocyclone, or quasi-steady rotating updraft, in Doppler velocity is the predominant radar-inferred early indicator of severe potential in a convective storm. Fused lightning-radar tools that capitalize on the most robust intensity indicators would allow enhanced situational awareness for increased warning confidence. A foundational step toward such tools comes from a better understanding of the updraft-centric relationship between intensification of total lightning production and mesocyclone development and strength. The work presented here utilizes a sample of supercell case studies representing a spectrum of severity. These storms are analyzed with respect to total lightning flash rate and the lightning jump alongside mesocyclone strength derived objectively from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm (MDA) and maximum azimuthal shear through a layer. Early results indicate that temporal similarities exist in the trends between total lightning flash rate and low- to mid-level rotation in supercells. Other characteristics such as polarimetric signatures of rotation, flash size, and cloud-to-ground flash ratio are explored for added insight into the significance of these trends with respect to the updraft and related processes of severe weather production.

New Developments in Proton Radiography at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE)

DOE PAGES

Morris, C. L.; Brown, E. N.; Agee, C.; ...

2015-12-30

An application of nuclear physics, a facility for using protons for flash radiography, was developed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Protons have proven far superior to high energy x-rays for flash radiography because of their long mean free path, good position resolution, and low scatter background. Although this facility is primarily used for studying very fast phenomena such as high explosive driven experiments, it is finding increasing application to other fields, such as tomography of static objects, phase changes in materials and the dynamics of chemical reactions. The advantages of protons are discussed, data from some recentmore » experiments will be reviewed and concepts for new techniques are introduced.« less

From Secure Memories to Smart Card Security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handschuh, Helena; Trichina, Elena

Non-volatile memory is essential in most embedded security applications. It will store the key and other sensitive materials for cryptographic and security applications. In this chapter, first an overview is given of current flash memory architectures. Next the standard security features which form the basis of so-called secure memories are described in more detail. Smart cards are a typical embedded application that is very vulnerable to attacks and that at the same time has a high need for secure non-volatile memory. In the next part of this chapter, the secure memories of so-called flash-based high-density smart cards are described. It is followed by a detailed analysis of what the new security challenges for such objects are.

Safety and Efficacy of Black Cohosh and Red Clover for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Geller, Stacie E.; Shulman, Lee P.; van Breemen, Richard B.; Banuvar, Suzanne; Zhou, Ying; Epstein, Geena; Hedayat, Samad; Nikolic, Dejan; Krause, Elizabeth C.; Piersen, Colleen E.; Bolton, Judy L.; Pauli, Guido F.; Farnsworth, Norman R.

2009-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover compared with placebo for the relief of menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Design This study was a randomized, four-arm, double-blind clinical trial of standardized black cohosh, red clover, placebo and 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA; n = 89). Primary outcome measures were reduction in vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) by black cohosh and red clover compared with placebo; secondary outcomes included safety evaluation, reduction of somatic symptoms, relief of sexual dysfunction, and overall improvement in quality of life. Results Reductions in number of vasomotor symptoms after 12-month intervention were as follows: black cohosh (34%), red clover (57%), placebo (63%), and CEE/MPA (94%), with only CEE/MPA differing significantly from placebo. Black cohosh and red clover did not significantly reduce the frequency of vasomotor symptoms as compared with placebo. Secondary measures indicated that both botanicals were safe as administered. In general, there were no improvements in other menopausal symptoms. Conclusions Compared with placebo, black cohosh and red clover did not reduce the number of vasomotor symptoms. Safety monitoring indicated that chemically and biologically standardized extracts of black cohosh and red clover were safe during daily administration for 12 months. PMID:19609225

Kinematic Age Estimates for Four Compact Symmetric Objects from the Pearson-Readhead Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, G. B.; Marr, J. M.; Pearson, T. J.; Readhead, A. C. S.

2000-09-01

Based on multiepoch observations at 15 and 43 GHz with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), we detect significant angular expansions between the two hot spots of four compact symmetric objects (CSOs). From these relative motions we derive kinematic ages of between 300 and 1200 yr for the radio emission. These ages lend support to the idea that CSOs are produced in a recent phase of activity. These observations also allow us to study the evolution of the hot spots dynamically in individual sources. In all four sources the hot spots are separating along the source axis, but in 1031+567 the tip of the hot spot appears to be moving almost orthogonally to the source axis. Jet components, seen in three of the four sources observed, are found to be moving relativistically outward from the central engines toward the more slowly moving hot spots.

An Analysis of Total Lightning Flash Rates Over Florida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzetti, Thomas O.; Fuelberg, Henry E.

2017-12-01

Although Florida is known as the "Sunshine State", it also contains the greatest lightning flash densities in the United States. Flash density has received considerable attention in the literature, but lightning flash rate has received much less attention. We use data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) to produce a 5 year (2010-2014) set of statistics regarding total flash rates over Florida and adjacent regions. Instead of tracking individual storms, we superimpose a 0.2° × 0.2° grid over the study region and count both cloud-to-ground (CG) and in-cloud (IC) flashes over 5 min intervals. Results show that the distribution of total flash rates is highly skewed toward small values, whereas the greatest rate is 185 flashes min-1. Greatest average annual flash rates ( 3 flashes min-1) are located near Orlando. The southernmost peninsula, North Florida, and the Florida Panhandle exhibit smaller average annual flash rates ( 1.5 flashes min-1). Large flash rates > 100 flashes min-1 can occur during any season, at any time during the 24 h period, and at any location within the domain. However, they are most likely during the afternoon and early evening in East Central Florida during the spring and summer months.

Objective and subjective measures of exercise intensity during thermo-neutral and hot yoga.

PubMed

Boyd, Corinne N; Lannan, Stephanie M; Zuhl, Micah N; Mora-Rodriguez, Ricardo; Nelson, Rachael K

2018-04-01

While hot yoga has gained enormous popularity in recent years, owing in part to increased environmental challenge associated with exercise in the heat, it is not clear whether hot yoga is more vigorous than thermo-neutral yoga. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine objective and subjective measures of exercise intensity during constant intensity yoga in a hot and thermo-neutral environment. Using a randomized, crossover design, 14 participants completed 2 identical ∼20-min yoga sessions in a hot (35.3 ± 0.8 °C; humidity: 20.5% ± 1.4%) and thermo-neutral (22.1 ± 0.2 °C; humidity: 27.8% ± 1.6%) environment. Oxygen consumption and heart rate (HR) were recorded as objective measures (percentage of maximal oxygen consumption and percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax)) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded as a subjective measure of exercise intensity. There was no difference in exercise intensity based on percentage of maximal oxygen consumption during hot versus thermo-neutral yoga (30.9% ± 2.3% vs. 30.5% ± 1.8%, p = 0.68). However, exercise intensity was significantly higher during hot versus thermo-neutral yoga based on %HRmax (67.0% ± 2.3% vs. 60.8% ± 1.9%, p = 0.01) and RPE (12 ± 1 vs. 11 ± 1, p = 0.04). According to established exercise intensities, hot yoga was classified as light-intensity exercise based on percentage of maximal oxygen consumption but moderate-intensity exercise based on %HRmax and RPE while thermo-neutral yoga was classified as light-intensity exercise based on percentage of maximal oxygen uptake, %HRmax, and RPE. Despite the added hemodynamic stress and perception that yoga is more strenuous in a hot environment, we observed similar oxygen consumption during hot versus thermo-neutral yoga, classifying both exercise modalities as light-intensity exercise.

Targeting an efficient target-to-target interval for P300 speller brain–computer interfaces

PubMed Central

Sellers, Eric W.; Wang, Xingyu

2013-01-01

Longer target-to-target intervals (TTI) produce greater P300 event-related potential amplitude, which can increase brain–computer interface (BCI) classification accuracy and decrease the number of flashes needed for accurate character classification. However, longer TTIs requires more time for each trial, which will decrease the information transfer rate of BCI. In this paper, a P300 BCI using a 7 × 12 matrix explored new flash patterns (16-, 18- and 21-flash pattern) with different TTIs to assess the effects of TTI on P300 BCI performance. The new flash patterns were designed to minimize TTI, decrease repetition blindness, and examine the temporal relationship between each flash of a given stimulus by placing a minimum of one (16-flash pattern), two (18-flash pattern), or three (21-flash pattern) non-target flashes between each target flashes. Online results showed that the 16-flash pattern yielded the lowest classification accuracy among the three patterns. The results also showed that the 18-flash pattern provides a significantly higher information transfer rate (ITR) than the 21-flash pattern; both patterns provide high ITR and high accuracy for all subjects. PMID:22350331

Spatial-temporal characteristics of lightning flash size in a supercell storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhixiao; Zheng, Dong; Zhang, Yijun; Lu, Gaopeng

2017-11-01

The flash sizes of a supercell storm, in New Mexico on October 5, 2004, are studied using the observations from the New Mexico Lightning Mapping Array and the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Doppler radar (KABX). First, during the temporal evolution of the supercell, the mean flash size is anti-correlated with the flash rate, following a unary power function, with a correlation coefficient of - 0.87. In addition, the mean flash size is linearly correlated with the area of reflectivity > 30 dBZ at 5 km normalized by the flash rate, with a correlation coefficient of 0.88. Second, in the horizontal, flash size increases along the direction from the region near the convection zone to the adjacent forward anvil. The region of minimum flash size usually corresponds to the region of maximum flash initiation and extent density. The horizontal correspondence between the mean flash size and the flash extent density can also be fitted by a unary power function, and the correlation coefficient is > 0.5 in 50% of the radar volume scans. Furthermore, the quality of fit is positively correlated to the convective intensity. Third, in the vertical direction, the height of the maximum flash initiation density is close to the height of maximum flash extent density, but corresponds to the height where the mean flash size is relatively small. In the discussion, the distribution of the small and dense charge regions when and where convection is vigorous in the storm, is deduced to be responsible for the relationship that flash size is temporally and spatially anti-correlated with flash rate and density, and the convective intensity.

WFC3 UVIS Detector Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunning, Heather C.; Baggett, Sylvia M.; Gosmeyer, Catherine; Bourque, Matthew; MacKenty, John W.; Anderson, Jay; WFC3 Team

2015-01-01

The Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) is a fourth-generation imaging instrument installed on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) during Servicing Mission 4 (SM4) in May 2000. WFC3 has two observational channels, UV/visible (UVIS) and infrared (IR); both have been performing well on-orbit. Since installation, the WFC3 team has been diligent in monitoring the performance of both detectors. The UVIS channel consists of two e2v, backside illuminated, 2Kx4K CCDs arranged in a 2x1 mosaic. We present results from some of the monitoring programs used to check various aspects of the UVIS detector. We discuss the growth trend of hot pixels and the efficacy of regular anneals in controlling the hot pixel population. We detail a pixel population with lowered-sensitivity that evolves during the time between anneals, and is largely reset by each anneal procedure. We discuss the stability of the post-flash LED lamp, used and recommended for CTE mitigation in observations with less than 12 e-/pixel backgrounds. Finally, we summarize long-term photometric trends of the UVIS detector, as well as the absolute gain measurement, used as a proxy for the on-orbit evolution of the UVIS channel.

Subgrid Modeling of AGN-driven Turbulence in Galaxy Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scannapieco, Evan; Brüggen, Marcus

2008-10-01

Hot, underdense bubbles powered by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are likely to play a key role in halting catastrophic cooling in the centers of cool-core galaxy clusters. We present three-dimensional simulations that capture the evolution of such bubbles, using an adaptive mesh hydrodynamic code, FLASH3, to which we have added a subgrid model of turbulence and mixing. While pure hydro simulations indicate that AGN bubbles are disrupted into resolution-dependent pockets of underdense gas, proper modeling of subgrid turbulence indicates that this is a poor approximation to a turbulent cascade that continues far beyond the resolution limit. Instead, Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities act to effectively mix the heated region with its surroundings, while at the same time preserving it as a coherent structure, consistent with observations. Thus, bubbles are transformed into hot clouds of mixed material as they move outward in the hydrostatic intracluster medium (ICM), much as large airbursts lead to a distinctive "mushroom cloud" structure as they rise in the hydrostatic atmosphere of Earth. Properly capturing the evolution of such clouds has important implications for many ICM properties. In particular, it significantly changes the impact of AGNs on the distribution of entropy and metals in cool-core clusters such as Perseus.

A modelling study of the event-based retention performance of green roof under the hot-humid tropical climate in Kuching.

PubMed

Chai, C T; Putuhena, F J; Selaman, O S

2017-12-01

The influences of climate on the retention capability of green roof have been widely discussed in existing literature. However, knowledge on how the retention capability of green roof is affected by the tropical climate is limited. This paper highlights the retention performance of the green roof situated in Kuching under hot-humid tropical climatic conditions. Using the green roof water balance modelling approach, this study simulated the hourly runoff generated from a virtual green roof from November 2012 to October 2013 based on past meteorological data. The result showed that the overall retention performance was satisfactory with a mean retention rate of 72.5% from 380 analysed rainfall events but reduced to 12.0% only for the events that potentially trigger the occurrence of flash flood. By performing the Spearman rank's correlation analysis, it was found that the rainfall depth and mean rainfall intensity, individually, had a strong negative correlation with event retention rate, suggesting that the retention rate increases with decreased rainfall depth. The expected direct relationship between retention rate and antecedent dry weather period was found to be event size dependent.

Flash memory management system and method utilizing multiple block list windows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chow, James (Inventor); Gender, Thomas K. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

The present invention provides a flash memory management system and method with increased performance. The flash memory management system provides the ability to efficiently manage and allocate flash memory use in a way that improves reliability and longevity, while maintaining good performance levels. The flash memory management system includes a free block mechanism, a disk maintenance mechanism, and a bad block detection mechanism. The free block mechanism provides efficient sorting of free blocks to facilitate selecting low use blocks for writing. The disk maintenance mechanism provides for the ability to efficiently clean flash memory blocks during processor idle times. The bad block detection mechanism provides the ability to better detect when a block of flash memory is likely to go bad. The flash status mechanism stores information in fast access memory that describes the content and status of the data in the flash disk. The new bank detection mechanism provides the ability to automatically detect when new banks of flash memory are added to the system. Together, these mechanisms provide a flash memory management system that can improve the operational efficiency of systems that utilize flash memory.

Phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer

PubMed Central

Rampurwala, Murtuza; Wisinski, Kari B; Burkard, Mark E; Ehsani, Sima; O’Regan, Ruth M; Carmichael, Lakeesha; Kim, KyungMann; Kolesar, Jill; Tevaarwerk, Amye J

2017-01-01

Intro Suppressing both androgens and estrogens may circumvent hormone receptor resistance in breast cancer by reducing androgen receptor stimulation. Selective inhibition of the 17, 20-lyase enzyme by orteronel leads to decreased androgen production in men and would be anticipated to reduce estrogen and androgen production in women. Thus, we conducted a phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. Methods The primary objective was to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (R2PD) of orteronel in women; escalation was via standard 3+3 design. The initial dose was 300 mg BID and escalated to 400 mg BID. Cycle length was 28 days. Enrolled patients had HR+ metastatic breast cancer and were evaluated every 8 weeks for disease progression. Results Eight heavily pre-treated women enrolled [median age: 57 yo (range 47–73)]. Four received 300 mg BID at dose level 1; 4 received 400 mg BID at dose level 2. No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. Adverse events (AE) at least possibly related to orteronel included grade 1–2 nausea (n=4) and bone pain (n=3), and grade 1 hypokalemia, hot flashes, myalgia and AST elevation (n=2). The only grade 3 AE was hypertension (n=2) with 8 patients receiving 34 cycles of treatment. No objective responses were seen; clinical benefit was seen in 2 patients with stable disease for more than 6 months. Serum estrogens and testosterone were suppressed from baseline on both doses of orteronel. Conclusions Orteronel 400 mg BID is well tolerated in postmenopausal women, and significantly suppresses serum estrogens and testosterone. Clinical benefit was seen among heavily pretreated postmenopausal women with HR+ metastatic breast cancer. PMID:27826831

Synoptic-scale atmospheric conditions associated with flash flooding in watersheds of the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teale, N. G.; Quiring, S. M.

2015-12-01

Understanding flash flooding is important in unfiltered watersheds, such as portions of the New York City water supply system (NYCWSS), as water quality is degraded by turbidity associated with flooding. To further understand flash flooding in watersheds of the NYCWSS, synoptic-scale atmospheric conditions most frequently associated with flash flooding between 1987 and 2013 were examined. Flash floods were identified during this time period using USGS 15-minute discharge data at the Esopus Creek near Allaben, NY and Neversink River at Claryville, NY gauges. Overall, 25 flash floods were detected, occurring over 17 separate flash flood days. These flash flood days were compared to the days on which flash flood warnings encompassing the study area was issued by the National Weather Service. The success rate for which the flash flood warnings for Ulster County coincided with flash flood in the study watershed was 0.09, demonstrating the highly localized nature of flash flooding in the Catskill Mountain region. The synoptic-scale atmospheric patterns influencing the study area were characterized by a principal component analysis and k-means clustering of NCEP/NCAR 500 mb geopotential height reanalysis data. This procedure was executed in Spatial Synoptic Typer Tools 4.0. While 17 unique synoptic patterns were identified, only 3 types were strongly associated with flash flooding events. A strong southwesterly flow suggesting advection of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico is shown in composites of these 3 types. This multiscalar study thereby links flash flooding in the NYCWSS with synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation.Understanding flash flooding is important in unfiltered watersheds, such as portions of the New York City water supply system (NYCWSS), as water quality is degraded by turbidity associated with flooding. To further understand flash flooding in watersheds of the NYCWSS, synoptic-scale atmospheric conditions most frequently associated with flash flooding between 1987 and 2013 were examined. Flash floods were identified during this time period using USGS 15-minute discharge data at the Esopus Creek near Allaben, NY and Neversink River at Claryville, NY gauges. Overall, 25 flash floods were detected, occurring over 17 separate flash flood days. These flash flood days were compared to the days on which flash flood warnings encompassing the study area was issued by the National Weather Service. The success rate for which the flash flood warnings for Ulster County coincided with flash flood in the study watershed was 0.09, demonstrating the highly localized nature of flash flooding in the Catskill Mountain region. The synoptic-scale atmospheric patterns influencing the study area were characterized by a principal component analysis and k-means clustering of NCEP/NCAR 500 mb geopotential height reanalysis data. This procedure was executed in Spatial Synoptic Typer Tools 4.0. While 17 unique synoptic patterns were identified, only 3 types were strongly associated with flash flooding events. A strong southwesterly flow suggesting advection of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico is shown in composites of these 3 types. This multiscalar study thereby links flash flooding in the NYCWSS with synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation.

Karst flash floods: an example from the Dinaric karst (Croatia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonacci, O.; Ljubenkov, I.; Roje-Bonacci, T.

2006-03-01

Flash floods constitute one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters worldwide. This paper explains the karst flash flood phenomenon, which represents a special kind of flash flood. As the majority of flash floods karst flash floods are caused by intensive short-term precipitation in an area whose surface rarely exceeds a few square kilometres. The characteristics of all flash floods are their short duration, small areal extent, high flood peaks and rapid flows, and heavy loss of life and property. Karst flash floods have specific characteristics due to special conditions for water circulation, which exist in karst terrains. During karst flash floods a sudden rise of groundwater levels occurs, which causes the appearance of numerous, unexpected, abundant and temporary karst springs. This paper presents in detail an example of a karst flash flood in the Marina bay (Dinaric karst region of Croatia), which occurred in December 2004.

A Comprehensive Study on Energy Efficiency and Performance of Flash-based SSD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Seon-Yeon; Kim, Youngjae; Urgaonkar, Bhuvan

2011-01-01

Use of flash memory as a storage medium is becoming popular in diverse computing environments. However, because of differences in interface, flash memory requires a hard-disk-emulation layer, called FTL (flash translation layer). Although the FTL enables flash memory storages to replace conventional hard disks, it induces significant computational and space overhead. Despite the low power consumption of flash memory, this overhead leads to significant power consumption in an overall storage system. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of flash-based storage devices from the viewpoint of power consumption and energy efficiency by using various methodologies. First, we utilize simulation tomore » investigate the interior operation of flash-based storage of flash-based storages. Subsequently, we measure the performance and energy efficiency of commodity flash-based SSDs by using microbenchmarks to identify the block-device level characteristics and macrobenchmarks to reveal their filesystem level characteristics.« less

Multi- and unisensory visual flash illusions.

PubMed

Courtney, Jon R; Motes, Michael A; Hubbard, Timothy L

2007-01-01

The role of stimulus structure in multisensory and unisensory interactions was examined. When a flash (17 ms) was accompanied by multiple tones (each 7 ms, SOA < or =100 ms) multiple flashes were reported, and this effect has been suggested to reflect the role of stimulus continuity in multisensory interactions. In experiments 1 and 2 we examined if stimulus continuity would affect concurrently presented stimuli. When a relatively longer flash (317 ms) was accompanied by multiple tones (each 7 ms), observers reported perceiving multiple flashes. In experiment 3 we tested whether a flash presented near fixation would induce an illusory flash further in the periphery. One flash (17 ms) presented 5 degrees below fixation was reported as multiple flashes if presented with two flashes (each 17 ms, SOA =100 ms) 2 degrees above fixation. The extent to which these data support a phenomenological continuity principle and whether this principle applies to unisensory perception is discussed.

Interactions of numerical and temporal stimulus characteristics on the control of response location by brief flashes of light.

PubMed

Fetterman, J Gregor; Killeen, P Richard

2011-09-01

Pigeons pecked on three keys, responses to one of which could be reinforced after 3 flashes of the houselight, to a second key after 6, and to a third key after 12. The flashes were arranged according to variable-interval schedules. Response allocation among the keys was a function of the number of flashes. When flashes were omitted, transitions occurred very late. Increasing flash duration produced a leftward shift in the transitions along a number axis. Increasing reinforcement probability produced a leftward shift, and decreasing reinforcement probability produced a rightward shift. Intermixing different flash rates within sessions separated allocations: Faster flash rates shifted the functions sooner in real time, but later in terms of flash count, and conversely for slower flash rates. A model of control by fading memories of number and time was proposed.

Simulation of the Universal-Time Diurnal Variation of the Global Electric Circuit Charging Rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackerras, D.; Darvenzia, M.; Orville, R. E.; Williams, E. R.; Goodman, S. J.

1999-01-01

A global lightning model that includes diurnal and annual lightning variation, and total flash density versus latitude for each major land and ocean, has been used as the basis for simulating the global electric circuit charging rate. A particular objective has been to reconcile the difference in amplitude ratios [AR=(max-min)/mean] between global lightning diurnal variation (AR approx. = 0.8) and the diurnal variation of typical atmospheric potential gradient curves (AR approx. = 0.35). A constraint on the simulation is that the annual mean charging current should be about 1000 A. The global lightning model shows that negative ground flashes can contribute, at most, about 10-15% of the required current. For the purpose of the charging rate simulation, it was assumed that each ground flash contributes 5 C to the charging process. It was necessary to assume that all electrified clouds contribute to charging by means other than lightning, that the total flash rate can serve as an indirect indicator of the rate of charge transfer, and that oceanic electrified clouds contribute to charging even though they are relatively inefficient in producing lightning. It was also found necessary to add a diurnally invariant charging current component. By trial and error it was found that charging rate diurnal variation curves in Universal time (UT) could be produced with amplitude ratios and general shapes similar to those of the potential gradient diurnal variation curves measured over ocean and arctic regions during voyages of the Carnegie Institute research vessels.

Effect of Flash-heat Treatment on Immunoglobulins in Breastmilk

PubMed Central

Chantry, Caroline J.; Israel-Ballard, Kiersten; Moldoveanu, Zina; Peerson, Jan; Coutsoudis, Anna; Sibeko, Lindiwe; Abrams, Barbara

2009-01-01

Background Heat-treated expressed breastmilk is recommended by WHO as an option to reduce vertical HIV transmission in resource poor regions. Flash-heat (FH) is a low technology pasteurization method developed for home use, but its effect on quantity and quality of breastmilk immunoglobulins is unknown. Objective To evaluate FH's effect on breastmilk immunoglobulin levels and antigen binding capacity. Design/Methods Fifty HIV+ mothers in South Africa provided breastmilk. Part of each sample served as an unheated (UH) control; the remainder was Flash-heated. Total and antigen-specific IgA and IgG were measured by ELISA. Paired t-test was performed on log transformed data. Results FH significantly decreased total IgA and IgG concentrations [geometric mean (geometric sd) 318.0 (1.9) vs. 398.2 (1.9) mcg/mL and 89.1 (2.7) vs. 133.3 (2.5) mcg/mL, p<0.001 each]. Similar decreases in anti-HIV-1 gp120 IgG, anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide and anti-poliovirus IgA occurred (p<0.001 each). Although the latter was most affected, FH retained 66% of the antigen binding ability. In contrast, binding capacity of IgA and IgG to influenza increased after FH (p=0.029 and 0.025 respectively). Conclusions Most breastmilk immunoglobulin activity survives FH, suggesting Flash-heated breastmilk is immunologically superior to breastmilk substitutes. Clinical significance of this decreased immunoglobulin activity needs evaluation in prospective trials. PMID:19421069

Muzzle flash localization for the dismounted soldier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy Scott, Will

2015-05-01

The ability to accurately and rapidly know the precise location of enemy fire would be a substantial capability enhancement to the dismounted soldier. Acoustic gun-shot detections systems can provide an approximate bearing but it is desired to precisely know the location (direction and range) of enemy fire; for example to know from `which window' the fire is coming from. Funded by the UK MOD (via Roke Manor Research) QinetiQ is developing an imaging solution built around an InGaAs camera. This paper presents work that QinetiQ has undertaken on the Muzzle Flash Locator system. Key technical challenges that have been overcome are explained and discussed in this paper. They include; the design of the optical sensor and processing hardware to meet low size, weight and power requirements; the algorithm approach required to maintain sensitivity whilst rejecting false alarms from sources such as close passing insects and sun glint from scene objects; and operation on the move. This work shows that such a sensor can provide sufficient sensitivity to detect muzzle flash events to militarily significant ranges and that such a system can be combined with an acoustic gunshot detection system to minimize the false alarm rate. The muzzle flash sensor developed in this work operates in real-time and has a field of view of approximately 29° (horizontal) by 12° (vertical) with a pixel resolution of 0.13°. The work has demonstrated that extension to a sensor with realistic angular rotation rate is feasible.

Flash fire propensity of materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilado, C. J.; Cumming, H. J.

1977-01-01

Flash fire test results on 86 materials, evaluated using the USF flash fire screening test, are presented. The materials which appear least prone to flash fires are PVC, polyphenylene oxide and sulfide, and polyether and polyaryl sulfone; these did not produce flash fires under these particular test conditions. The principal value of these screening tests at the present time is in identifying materials which appear prone to flash fires, and in identifying which formulations of a generic material are more or less prone to flash fires.

Laboratory investigation of fire protection coatings for creosote-treated timber railroad bridges

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Robert H. White; James P. Wacker; Stan T. Lebow; Mark A. Dietenberger; Samuel L. Zelinka; Nicole M. Stark

2014-01-01

As the incidence of timber railroad bridge fires increases, so has the need to develop protective measures to reduce the risk from accidental ignitions primarily caused by hot metal objects. Of the six barrier treatments evaluated in the laboratory for their ability to protect timbers from fires sourced with ignition from hot metal objects only one intumescent coating...

Susceptibility to the Flash-Beep Illusion Is Increased in Children Compared to Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Innes-Brown, Hamish; Barutchu, Ayla; Shivdasani, Mohit N.; Crewther, David P.; Grayden, David B.; Paolini, Antonio

2011-01-01

Audio-visual integration was studied in children aged 8-17 (N = 30) and adults (N = 22) using the "flash-beep illusion" paradigm, where the presentation of two beeps causes a single flash to be perceived as two flashes ("fission" illusion), and a single beep causes two flashes to be perceived as one flash ("fusion" illusion). Children reported…

Global Patterns of Lightning Properties Derived by OTD and LIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beirle, Steffen; Koshak, W.; Blakeslee, R.; Wagner, T.

2014-01-01

The satellite instruments Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) provide unique empirical data about the frequency of lightning flashes around the globe (OTD), and the tropics (LIS), which 5 has been used before to compile a well received global climatology of flash rate densities. Here we present a statistical analysis of various additional lightning properties derived from OTD/LIS, i.e. the number of so-called "events" and "groups" per flash, as well as 10 the mean flash duration, footprint and radiance. These normalized quantities, which can be associated with the flash "strength", show consistent spatial patterns; most strikingly, oceanic flashes show higher values than continental flashes for all properties. Over land, regions with high (Eastern US) 15 and low (India) flash strength can be clearly identified. We discuss possible causes and implications of the observed regional differences. Although a direct quantitative interpretation of the investigated flash properties is difficult, the observed spatial patterns provide valuable information for the 20 interpretation and application of climatological flash rates. Due to the systematic regional variations of physical flash characteristics, viewing conditions, and/or measurement sensitivities, parametrisations of lightning NOx based on total flash rate densities alone are probably affected by regional biases.

Cameras Improve Navigation for Pilots, Drivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2012-01-01

Advanced Scientific Concepts Inc. (ASC), of Santa Barbara, California, received SBIR awards and other funding from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, and Langley Research Center to develop and refine its 3D flash LIDAR technologies for space applications. Today, ASC's NASA-derived technology is sold to assist with collision avoidance, navigation, and object tracking.

Corona discharges and their effect on lightning attachment revisited: Upward leader initiation and downward leader interception

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becerra, Marley

2014-11-01

Previous studies have suggested the possibility of using glow corona discharges to control the frequency of lightning flashes to grounded objects. In order to revisit the theoretical basis of this proposal, the self-consistent leader inception and propagation model - SLIM - is used together with a two-dimensional glow corona drift model. The analysis is performed to quantify the effect of glow corona generated at the tip of ground-based objects on the initiation and propagation of upward positive connecting leaders under the influence of downward lightning leaders. It is found that the presence of glow corona does not influence the performance of Franklin lightning rods shorter than 15 m, while it slightly reduces the lateral distance of rods up to 60 m tall by a maximum of 10%. Furthermore, the results indicate that it is not possible to suppress the initiation of upward connecting leaders by means of glow corona. It is found instead that unconventional lightning protection systems based on the generation of glow corona attract downward lightning flashes in a similar way as a standard lightning rod with the same height.

Enhanced-Contrast Viewing of White-Hot Objects in Furnaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witherow, William K.; Holmes, Richard R.; Kurtz, Robert L.

2006-01-01

An apparatus denoted a laser image contrast enhancement system (LICES) increases the contrast with which one can view a target glowing with blackbody radiation (a white-hot object) against a background of blackbody radiation in a furnace at a temperature as high as approximately 1,500 C. The apparatus utilizes a combination of narrowband illumination, along with band-pass filtering and polarization filtering to pass illumination reflected by the target while suppressing blackbody light from both the object and its background.

Quantitative evaluation of microvascular blood flow by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

PubMed

Greis, Christian

2011-01-01

Ultrasound contrast agents consist of tiny gas-filled microbubbles the size of red blood cells. Due to their size distribution, they are purely intravascular tracers which do not extravasate into the interstitial fluid, and thus they are perfect agents for imaging blood distribution and flow. Using ultrasound scanners with contrast-specific software, the specific microbubble-derived echo signals can be separated from tissue signals in realtime, allowing selective imaging of the contrast agent. The signal intensity obtained lies in a linear relationship to the amount of microbubbles in the target organ, which allows easy and reliable assessment of relative blood volume. Imaging of the contrast wash-in and wash-out after bolus injection, or more precisely using the flash-replenishment technique, allows assessment of regional blood flow velocity. Commercially available quantification software packages can calculate time-related intensity values from the contrast wash-in and wash-out phase for each image pixel from stored video clips. After fitting of a mathematical model curve according to the respective kinetic model (bolus or flash-replenishment kinetics), time/intensity curves (TIC) can be calculated from single pixels or user-defined regions of interest (ROI). Characteristic parameters of these TICs (e.g. peak intensity, area under the curve, wash-in rate, etc.) can be displayed as color-coded parametric maps on top of the anatomical image, to identify cold and hot spots with abnormal perfusion.

MsFLASH participants' priorities for alleviating menopausal symptoms.

PubMed

Carpenter, J S; Woods, N F; Otte, J L; Guthrie, K A; Hohensee, C; Newton, K M; Joffe, H; Cohen, L; Sternfeld, B; Lau, R J; Reed, S D; LaCroix, A Z

2015-01-01

To describe self-reported menopausal symptom priorities and their association with demographics and other symptoms among participants in an intervention trial for vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Cross-sectional study embedded in the MsFLASH 02 trial, a three-by-two factorial design of yoga vs. exercise vs. usual activity and omega-3-fatty acid vs. placebo. At baseline, women (n = 354) completed hot flush diaries, a card sort task to prioritize symptoms they would most like to alleviate, and standardized questionnaires. The most common symptom priorities were: VMS (n = 322), sleep (n = 191), concentration (n = 140), and fatigue (n = 116). In multivariate models, women who chose VMS as their top priority symptom (n = 210) reported significantly greater VMS severity (p = 0.004) and never smoking (p = 0.012), and women who chose sleep as their top priority symptom (n = 100) were more educated (p ≤ 0.001) and had worse sleep quality (p < 0.001). ROC curves identified sleep scale scores that were highly predictive of ranking sleep as a top priority symptom. Among women entering an intervention trial for VMS and with relatively low prevalence of depression and anxiety, VMS was the priority symptom for treatment. A card sort may be a valid tool for quickly assessing symptom priorities in clinical practice and research.

The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu.

PubMed

Sanu, A; Eccles, R

2008-12-01

Hot drinks are a common treatment for common cold and flu but there are no studies reported in the scientific and clinical literature on this mode of treatment. This study investigated the effects of a hot fruit drink on objective and subjective measures of nasal airflow, and on subjective scores for common cold/flu symptoms in 30 subjects suffering from common cold/flu. The results demonstrate that the hot drink had no effect on objective measurement of nasal airflow but it did cause a significant improvement in subjective measures of nasal airflow. The hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness, whereas the same drink at room temperature only provided relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing. The effects of the drinks are discussed in terms of a placebo effect and physiological effects on salivation and airway secretions. In conclusion the results support the folklore that a hot tasty drink is a beneficial treatment for relief of most symptoms of common cold and flu.

Object Localization Does Not Imply Awareness of Object Category at the Break of Continuous Flash Suppression

PubMed Central

Kobylka, Florian; Persike, Malte; Meinhardt, Günter

2017-01-01

In continuous flash suppression (CFS), a dynamic noise masker, presented to one eye, suppresses conscious perception of a test stimulus, presented to the other eye, until the suppressed stimulus comes to awareness after few seconds. But what do we see breaking the dominance of the masker in the transition period? We addressed this question with a dual-task in which observers indicated (i) whether the test object was left or right of the fixation mark (localization) and (ii) whether it was a face or a house (categorization). As done recently Stein et al. (2011a), we used two experimental varieties to rule out confounds with decisional strategy. In the terminated mode, stimulus and masker were presented for distinct durations, and the observers were asked to give both judgments at the end of the trial. In the self-paced mode, presentation lasted until the observers responded. In the self-paced mode, b-CFS durations for object categorization were about half a second longer than for object localization. In the terminated mode, correct categorization rates were consistently lower than correct detection rates, measured at five duration intervals ranging up to 2 s. In both experiments we observed an upright face advantage compared to inverted faces and houses, as concurrently reported in b-CFS studies. Our findings reveal that more time is necessary to enable observers judging the nature of the object, compared to judging that there is “something other” than the noise which can be localized, but not recognized. This suggests gradual transitions in the first break of CFS. Further, the results imply that suppression is such that no cues to object identity are conveyed in potential “leaks” of CFS (Gelbard-Sagiv et al., 2016). PMID:28663728

Use of camera drive in stereoscopic display of learning contents of introductory physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuura, Shu

2011-03-01

Simple 3D physics simulations with stereoscopic display were created for a part of introductory physics e-Learning. First, cameras to see the 3D world can be made controllable by the user. This enabled to observe the system and motions of objects from any position in the 3D world. Second, cameras were made attachable to one of the moving object in the simulation so as to observe the relative motion of other objects. By this option, it was found that users perceive the velocity and acceleration more sensibly on stereoscopic display than on non-stereoscopic 3D display. Simulations were made using Adobe Flash ActionScript, and Papervison 3D library was used to render the 3D models in the flash web pages. To display the stereogram, two viewports from virtual cameras were displayed in parallel in the same web page. For observation of stereogram, the images of two viewports were superimposed by using 3D stereogram projection box (T&TS CO., LTD.), and projected on an 80-inch screen. The virtual cameras were controlled by keyboard and also by Nintendo Wii remote controller buttons. In conclusion, stereoscopic display offers learners more opportunities to play with the simulated models, and to perceive the characteristics of motion better.

Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for post-fire flash floods and debris flows in the area burned by the Waldo Canyon fire, Colorado, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Staley, Dennis M.; Gartner, Joseph E.; Kean, Jason W.

2015-01-01

We present an objectively defined rainfall intensity-duration (I-D) threshold for the initiation of flash floods and debris flows for basins recently burned in the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Our results are based on 453 rainfall records which include 8 instances of hazardous flooding and debris flow from 10 July 2012 to 14 August 2013. We objectively defined the thresholds by maximizing the number of correct predictions of debris flow or flood occurrence while minimizing the rate of both Type I (false positive) and Type II (false negative) errors. The equation I = 11.6D−0.7 represents the I-D threshold (I, in mm/h) for durations (D, in hours) ranging from 0.083 h (5 min) to 1 h for basins burned by the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire. As periods of high-intensity rainfall over short durations (less than 1 h) produced all of the debris flow and flood events, real-time monitoring of rainfall conditions will result in very short lead times for early-warning. Our results highlight the need for improved forecasting of the rainfall rates during short-duration, high-intensity convective rainfall events.

Colour Terms Affect Detection of Colour and Colour-Associated Objects Suppressed from Visual Awareness.

PubMed

Forder, Lewis; Taylor, Olivia; Mankin, Helen; Scott, Ryan B; Franklin, Anna

2016-01-01

The idea that language can affect how we see the world continues to create controversy. A potentially important study in this field has shown that when an object is suppressed from visual awareness using continuous flash suppression (a form of binocular rivalry), detection of the object is differently affected by a preceding word prime depending on whether the prime matches or does not match the object. This may suggest that language can affect early stages of vision. We replicated this paradigm and further investigated whether colour terms likewise influence the detection of colours or colour-associated object images suppressed from visual awareness by continuous flash suppression. This method presents rapidly changing visual noise to one eye while the target stimulus is presented to the other. It has been shown to delay conscious perception of a target for up to several minutes. In Experiment 1 we presented greyscale photos of objects. They were either preceded by a congruent object label, an incongruent label, or white noise. Detection sensitivity (d') and hit rates were significantly poorer for suppressed objects preceded by an incongruent label compared to a congruent label or noise. In Experiment 2, targets were coloured discs preceded by a colour term. Detection sensitivity was significantly worse for suppressed colour patches preceded by an incongruent colour term as compared to a congruent term or white noise. In Experiment 3 targets were suppressed greyscale object images preceded by an auditory presentation of a colour term. On congruent trials the colour term matched the object's stereotypical colour and on incongruent trials the colour term mismatched. Detection sensitivity was significantly poorer on incongruent trials than congruent trials. Overall, these findings suggest that colour terms affect awareness of coloured stimuli and colour- associated objects, and provide new evidence for language-perception interaction in the brain.

Preliminary analysis on faint luminous lightning events recorded by multiple high speed cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, J.; Saraiva, A. V.; Pinto, O.; Campos, L. Z.; Antunes, L.; Luz, E. S.; Medeiros, C.; Buzato, T. S.

2013-12-01

The objective of this work is the study of some faint luminous events produced by lightning flashes that were recorded simultaneously by multiple high-speed cameras during the previous RAMMER (Automated Multi-camera Network for Monitoring and Study of Lightning) campaigns. The RAMMER network is composed by three fixed cameras and one mobile color camera separated by, in average, distances of 13 kilometers. They were located in the Paraiba Valley (in the cities of São José dos Campos and Caçapava), SP, Brazil, arranged in a quadrilateral shape, centered in São José dos Campos region. This configuration allowed RAMMER to see a thunderstorm from different angles, registering the same lightning flashes simultaneously by multiple cameras. Each RAMMER sensor is composed by a triggering system and a Phantom high-speed camera version 9.1, which is set to operate at a frame rate of 2,500 frames per second with a lens Nikkor (model AF-S DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5 - 5.6 G in the stationary sensors, and a lens model AF-S ED 24 mm - 1:1.4 in the mobile sensor). All videos were GPS (Global Positioning System) time stamped. For this work we used a data set collected in four RAMMER manual operation days in the campaign of 2012 and 2013. On Feb. 18th the data set is composed by 15 flashes recorded by two cameras and 4 flashes recorded by three cameras. On Feb. 19th a total of 5 flashes was registered by two cameras and 1 flash registered by three cameras. On Feb. 22th we obtained 4 flashes registered by two cameras. Finally, in March 6th two cameras recorded 2 flashes. The analysis in this study proposes an evaluation methodology for faint luminous lightning events, such as continuing current. Problems in the temporal measurement of the continuing current can generate some imprecisions during the optical analysis, therefore this work aim to evaluate the effects of distance in this parameter with this preliminary data set. In the cases that include the color camera we analyzed the RGB mode (red, green, blue) and compared them with the data provided by the black and white cameras for the same event and the influence of these parameters with the luminosity intensity of the flashes. Two peculiar cases presented, from the data obtained at one site, a stroke, some continuing current during the interval between the strokes and, then, a subsequent stroke; however, the other site showed that the subsequent stroke was in fact an M-component, since the continuing current had not vanished after its parent stroke. These events generated a dubious classification for the same event that was based only in a visual analysis with high-speed cameras and they were analyzed in this work.

Flash floods and debris flow in the city area of Messina, North-East part of Sicily, Italy in October 2009: the case of the Giampilieri catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aronica, G. T.; Brigandi, G.; Morey, N.

2010-09-01

Flash floods are phenomena in which the important hydrologic processes are occurring on the same spatial and temporal scales as the intense precipitation. Most of the catchment in the North-East part of Sicily (Italy) are small, with a steep slope, and characterized by short concentration times. These characteristics make those catchment prone to flash flood formation, as demonstrated by events that occurred in the area around Messina in the North-East part of Sicily, Italy in the last recent years. The events occurred on 25th October 2007 in the Mastroguglielmo torrent on the ionic sea coast, on 11th December 2008 in the Elicona catchment on the Tyrrhenian sea coast and on 1st October 2009 in Racinazzi and Giampilieri torrents on the ionic sea coast are an example of flash floods and debris flow events that caused not only significant economic damages to property, buildings, roads and bridges but also, for this that concern the 1st October 2009 flash flood event, loss of human life. This work is aimed by the 1st October 2009 flash flood and debris flow event where a devastating flooding was caused by a very intense rainfall concentrated over the Messina area. The storm caused severe flash floods in many villages around the city of Messina, such as Giampilieri, Scaletta Zanclea, Altolia Superiore and Molino with forty casualties and significant damage to property, buildings, roads and bridges estimated close to 200 million Euro. Main focus of this work is to perform a post event analysis of the 2009 flash flood event, putting together available meteorological and hydrological data in order to get better insight into temporal and spatial variability of the rain storm, the soil moisture condition and the consequent flash floods in the catchment of the Giampilieri catchment. Starting from these information another objective has been, then, to document the post-failure stage of event concerning slid materials. With the help of GIS technology and particularly spatial analysis, volume of debris gone down for the Giampilieri catchment has been calculated. The event was investigated using observed data from a raingauge network and hydraulic evidences. Statistical analysis using GEV distribution was performed and rainfall return period (storm severity) was estimated. Further, measured rainfall data and rainfall-runoff modeling were used to analyze the hydrological behaviour and to reconstruct flood and debris hydrographs. The study confirmed that post-flood investigation should focus on discharges and hydrological response of the catchment rather than simply analyzing statistical characteristics of rainfall. Thanks to LIDAR data produced immediately after the event, issued one meter precision DEM has been compared with a two meter precision one provided two years before. GIS maps with landslide and material deposit areas have been produced and analyzed.

Ovarian failure and cancer treatment: Incidence and interventions for premenopausal women

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feldman, J.E.

Ovarian failure may be a long-term consequence of cancer treatment for premenopausal women. Caused by several treatments, including radiation therapy and the alkylating agents, it produces signs and symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes, amenorrhea, dyspareunia, loss of libido, and irritability. Critical factors that determine ovarian functioning after treatment for cancer are the patient's age at the time of therapy, the amount of radiation that the ovaries received, and the dose of the antineoplastic agent(s). Medical interventions, such as hormonal therapy and surgical repositioning of the ovaries, may maintain ovarian function for some women. Nursing intervention includes assessment, education, andmore » counseling. Counseling focuses on how the prematurely menopausal patient feels about herself as indicated by self-esteem, body image, and sexuality.« less

FLASH2: Operation, beamlines, and photon diagnostics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Plönjes, Elke, E-mail: elke.ploenjes@desy.de; Faatz, Bart; Kuhlmann, Marion

2016-07-27

FLASH2, a major extension of the soft X-ray free-electron laser FLASH at DESY, turns FLASH into a multi-user FEL facility. A new undulator line is located in a separate accelerator tunnel and driven additionally by the FLASH linear accelerator. First lasing of FLASH2 was achieved in August 2014 with simultaneous user operation at FLASH1. The new FLASH2 experimental hall offers space for up to six experimental end stations, some of which will be installed permanently. The wide wavelength range spans from 4-60 nm and 0.8 nm in the 5{sup th} harmonic and in the future deep into the water windowmore » in the fundamental. While this is of high interest to users, it is challenging from the beamline instrumentation point of view. Online diagnostics - which are mostly pulse resolved - for beam intensity, position, wavelength, wave front, and pulse length have been to a large extent developed at FLASH(1) and have now been optimized for FLASH2. Pump-probe facilities for XUV-XUV, XUV optical and XUV-THz experiments will complete the FLASH2 user facility.« less

Initial Breakdown Pulse Amplitudes in Intracloud and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, T. C.; Smith, E. M.; Stolzenburg, M.; Karunarathne, S.; Siedlecki, R. D., II

2017-12-01

This study analyzes the largest initial breakdown (IB) pulse in flashes from three storms in Florida. The study was motivated in part by the possibility that IB pulses of IC flashes may cause of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs). The range-normalized, zero-to-peak amplitude of the largest IB pulse within each flash was determined along with its altitude, duration, and occurrence time in the flash. Appropriate data were available for 40 intracloud (IC) and 32 cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes. Histograms of the magnitude of the largest IB pulse amplitude by flash type were similar, with mean (median) values of 1.49 (1.05) V/m for IC flashes and -1.35 (-0.87) V/m for CG flashes. The mean amplitude of the largest IC IB pulses are substantially smaller (roughly an order of magnitude smaller) than the few known pulse amplitudes of TGF events and TGF candidate events. The largest IB pulse in 30 IC flashes showed a weak inverse relation between pulse amplitude and altitude. Amplitude of the largest IB pulse for 25 CG flashes showed no altitude correlation. Duration of the largest IB pulse in ICs averaged twice as long as in CGs (96 μs versus 46 μs); all of the CG durations were <100 μs. Among the ICs, there is a positive relation between largest IB pulse duration and amplitude; the linear correlation coefficient is 0.385 with outliers excluded. The largest IB pulse in IC flashes typically occurred at a longer time after the first IB pulse (average 4.1 ms) than was the case in CG flashes (average 0.6 ms). In both flash types, the largest IB pulse was the first IB pulse in about 30% of the cases.

Objective and automated measurement of dynamic vision functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flom, M. C.; Adams, A. J.

1976-01-01

A phoria stimulus array and electro-oculographic (EOG) arrangements for measuring motor and sensory responses of subjects subjected to stress or drug conditions are described, along with experimental procedures. Heterophoria (as oculomotor function) and glare recovery time (time required for photochemical and neural recovery after exposure to a flash stimulus) are measured, in research aimed at developing automated objective measurement of dynamic vision functions. Onset of involuntary optokinetic nystagmus in subjects attempting to track moving stripes (while viewing through head-mounted binocular eyepieces) after exposure to glare serves as an objective measure of glare recovery time.

Pooled Analysis of Six Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Vasomotor Symptoms.

PubMed

Guthrie, Katherine A; LaCroix, Andrea Z; Ensrud, Kristine E; Joffe, Hadine; Newton, Katherine M; Reed, Susan D; Caan, Bette; Carpenter, Janet S; Cohen, Lee S; Freeman, Ellen W; Larson, Joseph C; Manson, JoAnn E; Rexrode, Kathy; Skaar, Todd C; Sternfeld, Barbara; Anderson, Garnet L

2015-08-01

To describe the effects of six interventions for menopausal vasomotor symptoms relative to control in a pooled analysis, facilitating translation of the results for clinicians and symptomatic women. The Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health network tested these interventions in three randomized clinical trials. An analysis of pooled individual-level data from three randomized clinical trials is presented. Participants were 899 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with at least 14 bothersome vasomotor symptoms per week. Interventions included 10-20 mg escitalopram per day, nonaerobic yoga, aerobic exercise, 1.8 g per day omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, 0.5 mg low-dose oral 17-beta-estradiol (E2) per day, and 75 mg low-dose venlafaxine XR per day. The main outcome measures were changes from baseline in mean daily vasomotor symptom frequency and bother during 8-12 weeks of treatment. Linear regression models estimated differences in outcomes between each intervention and corresponding control group adjusted for baseline characteristics. Models included trial-specific intercepts, effects of the baseline outcome measure, and time. The 8-week reduction in vasomotor symptom frequency from baseline relative to placebo was similar for escitalopram at -1.4 per day (95% confidence interval [CI] -2.7 to -0.2), low-dose E2 at -2.4 (95% CI -3.4 to -1.3), and venlafaxine at -1.8 (95% CI -2.8 to -0.8); vasomotor symptom bother reduction was minimal and did not vary across these three pharmacologic interventions (mean -0.2 to -0.3 relative to placebo). No effects on vasomotor symptom frequency or bother were seen with aerobic exercise, yoga, or omega-3 supplements. These analyses suggest that escitalopram, low-dose E2, and venlafaxine provide comparable, modest reductions in vasomotor symptom frequency and bother among women with moderate hot flushes. ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00894543 (MsFLASH 01), NCT01178892 (MsFLASH 02), and NCT01418209 (MsFLASH 03).

SUMO regulates proteasome-dependent degradation of FLASH/Casp8AP2

PubMed Central

Vennemann, Astrid; Hofmann, Thomas G.

2013-01-01

FLASH/Casp8AP2 is a huge multifunctional protein involved in multiple cellular processes, reaching from death receptor signaling to regulation of histone gene transcription and histone mRNA processing. Previous work has shown that FLASH localizes to Cajal bodies and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies. However, the function of its nuclear body association remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that murine FLASH is covalently modified by SUMO at Lys residue 1792. Interestingly, ectopic expression of SUMO results in proteasome-dependent degradation of FLASH. A point mutant of FLASH with a mutated SUMO acceptor lysine residue, FLASHK1792R, is resistant to SUMO-induced degradation. Finally, we show that arsenic trioxide, a drug known to potentiate SUMO modification and degradation of PML, triggers recruitment of FLASH to PML bodies and concomitant loss of FLASH protein. Our data suggest that SUMO targets FLASH for proteasome-dependent degradation, which is associated with recruitment of FLASH to PML bodies. PMID:23673342

The October 2014 United States Treasury bond flash crash and the contributory effect of mini flash crashes

PubMed Central

Levine, Zachary S.; Floridi, Luciano

2017-01-01

We investigate the causal uncertainty surrounding the flash crash in the U.S. Treasury bond market on October 15, 2014, and the unresolved concern that no clear link has been identified between the start of the flash crash at 9:33 and the opening of the U.S. equity market at 9:30. We consider the contributory effect of mini flash crashes in equity markets, and find that the number of equity mini flash crashes in the three-minute window between market open and the Treasury Flash Crash was 2.6 times larger than the number experienced in any other three-minute window in the prior ten weekdays. We argue that (a) this statistically significant finding suggests that mini flash crashes in equity markets both predicted and contributed to the October 2014 U.S. Treasury Bond Flash Crash, and (b) mini-flash crashes are important phenomena with negative externalities that deserve much greater scholarly attention. PMID:29091931

Federal Market Information Technology in the Post Flash Crash Era: Roles for Supercomputing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bethel, E. Wes; Leinweber, David; Ruebel, Oliver

2011-09-16

This paper describes collaborative work between active traders, regulators, economists, and supercomputing researchers to replicate and extend investigations of the Flash Crash and other market anomalies in a National Laboratory HPC environment. Our work suggests that supercomputing tools and methods will be valuable to market regulators in achieving the goal of market safety, stability, and security. Research results using high frequency data and analytics are described, and directions for future development are discussed. Currently the key mechanism for preventing catastrophic market action are “circuit breakers.” We believe a more graduated approach, similar to the “yellow light” approach in motorsports tomore » slow down traffic, might be a better way to achieve the same goal. To enable this objective, we study a number of indicators that could foresee hazards in market conditions and explore options to confirm such predictions. Our tests confirm that Volume Synchronized Probability of Informed Trading (VPIN) and a version of volume Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for measuring market fragmentation can indeed give strong signals ahead of the Flash Crash event on May 6 2010. This is a preliminary step toward a full-fledged early-warning system for unusual market conditions.« less

Optimization strategies based on sequential quadratic programming applied for a fermentation process for butanol production.

PubMed

Pinto Mariano, Adriano; Bastos Borba Costa, Caliane; de Franceschi de Angelis, Dejanira; Maugeri Filho, Francisco; Pires Atala, Daniel Ibraim; Wolf Maciel, Maria Regina; Maciel Filho, Rubens

2009-11-01

In this work, the mathematical optimization of a continuous flash fermentation process for the production of biobutanol was studied. The process consists of three interconnected units, as follows: fermentor, cell-retention system (tangential microfiltration), and vacuum flash vessel (responsible for the continuous recovery of butanol from the broth). The objective of the optimization was to maximize butanol productivity for a desired substrate conversion. Two strategies were compared for the optimization of the process. In one of them, the process was represented by a deterministic model with kinetic parameters determined experimentally and, in the other, by a statistical model obtained using the factorial design technique combined with simulation. For both strategies, the problem was written as a nonlinear programming problem and was solved with the sequential quadratic programming technique. The results showed that despite the very similar solutions obtained with both strategies, the problems found with the strategy using the deterministic model, such as lack of convergence and high computational time, make the use of the optimization strategy with the statistical model, which showed to be robust and fast, more suitable for the flash fermentation process, being recommended for real-time applications coupling optimization and control.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luketa, Anay; Rudeen, David Keith

The objective of this work is to assess dispersion distances of a vapor mixture of species released from a railcar containing a tight crude oil. Tight crude oils can have higher levels of light ends as compared to conventional crude oils [1], which if released and dispersed could pose a potential hazard with regards to a flash fire, explosion, and/or asphyxiation. A historical accident involving rail transport in Viareggio, Italy illustrates how the spillage of LPG can lead to severe damage as a result of a propagating vapor cloud [2]. One of 14 railcars was punctured after derailment, releasing aboutmore » 110 m 3 of LPG into a densely populated area (2000 persons/km 2 ). The resulting vapor cloud propagated and infiltrated nearby buildings and houses which were an average of 10 m in height. Ignition of the cloud occurred approximately 100 to 300 seconds after the start of the spill. A flash fire and explosions resulted, killing 31 people. Evidence suggests that most deaths occurred due to the asphyxiation and thermal hazards from the flash fire. Thus, the motivation for this work is to assess if significant vapors can develop from a railcar carrying a tight crude oil and if this cloud could disperse potentially to nearby populations.« less

PIAS1 interacts with FLASH and enhances its co-activation of c-Myb

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background FLASH is a huge nuclear protein involved in various cellular functions such as apoptosis signalling, NF-κB activation, S-phase regulation, processing of histone pre-mRNAs, and co-regulation of transcription. Recently, we identified FLASH as a co-activator of the transcription factor c-Myb and found FLASH to be tightly associated with active transcription foci. As a huge multifunctional protein, FLASH is expected to have many interaction partners, some which may shed light on its function as a transcriptional regulator. Results To find additional FLASH-associated proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening with FLASH as bait and identified the SUMO E3 ligase PIAS1 as an interaction partner. The association appears to involve two distinct interaction surfaces in FLASH. We verified the interaction by Y2H-mating, GST pulldowns, co-IP and ChIP. FLASH and PIAS1 were found to co-localize in nuclear speckles. Functional assays revealed that PIAS1 enhances the intrinsic transcriptional activity of FLASH in a RING finger-dependent manner. Furthermore, PIAS1 also augments the specific activity of c-Myb, and cooperates with FLASH to further co-activate c-Myb. The three proteins, FLASH, PIAS1, and c-Myb, are all co-localized with active RNA polymerase II foci, resembling transcription factories. Conclusions We conclude that PIAS1 is a common partner for two cancer-related nuclear factors, c-Myb and FLASH. Our results point to a functional cooperation between FLASH and PIAS1 in the enhancement of c-Myb activity in active nuclear foci. PMID:21338522

"Know What to Do If You Encounter a Flash Flood": Mental Models Analysis for Improving Flash Flood Risk Communication and Public Decision Making.

PubMed

Lazrus, Heather; Morss, Rebecca E; Demuth, Julie L; Lazo, Jeffrey K; Bostrom, Ann

2016-02-01

Understanding how people view flash flood risks can help improve risk communication, ultimately improving outcomes. This article analyzes data from 26 mental models interviews about flash floods with members of the public in Boulder, Colorado, to understand their perspectives on flash flood risks and mitigation. The analysis includes a comparison between public and professional perspectives by referencing a companion mental models study of Boulder-area professionals. A mental models approach can help to diagnose what people already know about flash flood risks and responses, as well as any critical gaps in their knowledge that might be addressed through improved risk communication. A few public interviewees mentioned most of the key concepts discussed by professionals as important for flash flood warning decision making. However, most interviewees exhibited some incomplete understandings and misconceptions about aspects of flash flood development and exposure, effects, or mitigation that may lead to ineffective warning decisions when a flash flood threatens. These include important misunderstandings about the rapid evolution of flash floods, the speed of water in flash floods, the locations and times that pose the greatest flash flood risk in Boulder, the value of situational awareness and environmental cues, and the most appropriate responses when a flash flood threatens. The findings point to recommendations for ways to improve risk communication, over the long term and when an event threatens, to help people quickly recognize and understand threats, obtain needed information, and make informed decisions in complex, rapidly evolving extreme weather events such as flash floods. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

50 CFR 600.730 - Facilitation of enforcement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... transmitted by flashing light directed at the vessel signaled. USCG units will normally use the flashing light... your vessel instantly.” (Period (.) means a short flash of light; dash (-) means a long flash of light... authorized officer using loudhailer, radiotelephone, flashing light signal, or other means constitutes prima...

50 CFR 600.730 - Facilitation of enforcement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... transmitted by flashing light directed at the vessel signaled. USCG units will normally use the flashing light... your vessel instantly.” (Period (.) means a short flash of light; dash (-) means a long flash of light... authorized officer using loudhailer, radiotelephone, flashing light signal, or other means constitutes prima...

Colour Terms Affect Detection of Colour and Colour-Associated Objects Suppressed from Visual Awareness

PubMed Central

Forder, Lewis; Taylor, Olivia; Mankin, Helen; Scott, Ryan B.; Franklin, Anna

2016-01-01

The idea that language can affect how we see the world continues to create controversy. A potentially important study in this field has shown that when an object is suppressed from visual awareness using continuous flash suppression (a form of binocular rivalry), detection of the object is differently affected by a preceding word prime depending on whether the prime matches or does not match the object. This may suggest that language can affect early stages of vision. We replicated this paradigm and further investigated whether colour terms likewise influence the detection of colours or colour-associated object images suppressed from visual awareness by continuous flash suppression. This method presents rapidly changing visual noise to one eye while the target stimulus is presented to the other. It has been shown to delay conscious perception of a target for up to several minutes. In Experiment 1 we presented greyscale photos of objects. They were either preceded by a congruent object label, an incongruent label, or white noise. Detection sensitivity (d’) and hit rates were significantly poorer for suppressed objects preceded by an incongruent label compared to a congruent label or noise. In Experiment 2, targets were coloured discs preceded by a colour term. Detection sensitivity was significantly worse for suppressed colour patches preceded by an incongruent colour term as compared to a congruent term or white noise. In Experiment 3 targets were suppressed greyscale object images preceded by an auditory presentation of a colour term. On congruent trials the colour term matched the object’s stereotypical colour and on incongruent trials the colour term mismatched. Detection sensitivity was significantly poorer on incongruent trials than congruent trials. Overall, these findings suggest that colour terms affect awareness of coloured stimuli and colour- associated objects, and provide new evidence for language-perception interaction in the brain. PMID:27023274

49 CFR 234.217 - Flashing light units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Flashing light units. 234.217 Section 234.217..., Inspection, and Testing Maintenance Standards § 234.217 Flashing light units. (a) Each flashing light unit.... (b) Each flashing light unit shall be maintained to prevent dust and moisture from entering the...

49 CFR 234.217 - Flashing light units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Flashing light units. 234.217 Section 234.217..., Inspection, and Testing Maintenance Standards § 234.217 Flashing light units. (a) Each flashing light unit.... (b) Each flashing light unit shall be maintained to prevent dust and moisture from entering the...

Lunar Impact Flash Locations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moser, D. E.; Suggs, R. M.; Kupferschmidt, L.; Feldman, J.

2015-01-01

A bright impact flash detected by the NASA Lunar Impact Monitoring Program in March 2013 brought into focus the importance of determining the impact flash location. A process for locating the impact flash, and presumably its associated crater, was developed using commercially available software tools. The process was successfully applied to the March 2013 impact flash and put into production on an additional 300 impact flashes. The goal today: provide a description of the geolocation technique developed.

FLASH Interface; a GUI for managing runtime parameters in FLASH simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, Christopher; Tzeferacos, Petros; Weide, Klaus; Lamb, Donald; Flocke, Norbert; Feister, Scott

2017-10-01

We present FLASH Interface, a novel graphical user interface (GUI) for managing runtime parameters in simulations performed with the FLASH code. FLASH Interface supports full text search of available parameters; provides descriptions of each parameter's role and function; allows for the filtering of parameters based on categories; performs input validation; and maintains all comments and non-parameter information already present in existing parameter files. The GUI can be used to edit existing parameter files or generate new ones. FLASH Interface is open source and was implemented with the Electron framework, making it available on Mac OSX, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The new interface lowers the entry barrier for new FLASH users and provides an easy-to-use tool for experienced FLASH simulators. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), NNSA ASC/Alliances Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes, U.S. DOE NNSA ASC through the Argonne Institute for Computing in Science, U.S. National Science Foundation.

OTD Observations of Continental US Ground and Cloud Flashes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, William

2007-01-01

Lightning optical flash parameters (e.g., radiance, area, duration, number of optical groups, and number of optical events) derived from almost five years of Optical Transient Detector (OTD) data are analyzed. Hundreds of thousands of OTD flashes occurring over the continental US are categorized according to flash type (ground or cloud flash) using US National Lightning Detection Network TM (NLDN) data. The statistics of the optical characteristics of the ground and cloud flashes are inter-compared on an overall basis, and as a function of ground flash polarity. A standard two-distribution hypothesis test is used to inter-compare the population means of a given lightning parameter for the two flash types. Given the differences in the statistics of the optical characteristics, it is suggested that statistical analyses (e.g., Bayesian Inference) of the space-based optical measurements might make it possible to successfully discriminate ground and cloud flashes a reasonable percentage of the time.

Some properties of negative cloud-to-ground flashes from observations of a local thunderstorm based on accurate-stroke-count studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Baoyou; Ma, Ming; Xu, Weiwei; Ma, Dong

2015-12-01

Properties of negative cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes, in terms of number of strokes per flash, inter-stroke intervals and the relative intensity of subsequent and first strokes, were presented by accurate-stroke-count studies based on all 1085 negative flashes from a local thunderstorm. The percentage of single-stroke flashes and stroke multiplicity evolved significantly during the whole life cycle of the study thunderstorm. The occurrence probability of negative CG flashes decreased exponentially with the increasing number of strokes per flash. About 30.5% of negative CG flashes contained only one stroke and number of strokes per flash averaged 3.3. In a subset of 753 negative multiple-stroke flashes, about 41.4% contained at least one subsequent stroke stronger than the corresponding first stroke. Subsequent strokes tended to decrease in strength with their orders and the ratio of subsequent to first stroke peaks presented a geometric mean value of 0.52. Interestingly, negative CG flashes of higher multiplicity tended to have stronger initial strokes. 2525 inter-stroke intervals showed a more or less log-normal distribution and gave a geometric mean value of 62 ms. For CG flashes of particular multiplicity geometric mean inter-stroke intervals tended to decrease with the increasing number of strokes per flash, while those intervals associated with higher order strokes tended to be larger than those associated with low order strokes.

The Flux of Large Meteoroids Observed with Lunar Impact Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, W. J.; Suggs, R. M.; Moser, D. E.; Suggs, R. J.

2014-01-01

The flux of large meteoroids is not well determined due to relatively low number statistics, due mainly to the lack of collecting area available to meteor camera systems (10(2)-10(5) km2). Larger collecting areas are needed to provide reasonable statistics for flux calculations. The Moon, with millions of square kilometers of lunar surface, can be used as a detector for observing the population of large meteoroids in the tens of grams to kilogram mass range. This is accomplished by observing the flash of light produced when a meteoroid impacts the lunar surface, converting a portion of its kinetic energy to visible light detectable from Earth. A routine monitoring program at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has recorded over 300 impact flashes since early 2006. The program utilizes multiple 0.35 m (14 inch) Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, outfitted with video cameras using the 1/2 inch Sony EXview HAD CCDTM chip, to perform simultaneous observations of the earthshine hemisphere of the Moon when the lunar phase is between 0.1 and 0.5. This optical arrangement permits monitoring of approximately 3.8x10(6) km2 of lunar surface. A selection of 126 flashes recorded in 266.88 hours of photometric skies was analyzed, creating the largest and most homogeneous dataset of lunar impact flashes to date. Standard CCD photometric techniques outlined in [1] were applied to the video to determine the luminous energy, kinetic energy, and mass for each impactor, considering a range of luminous efficiencies. The flux to a limiting energy of 2.5x10(-6) kT TNT or 1.05×10(7) J is 1.03×10(-7) km(-2) hr(-1) and the flux to a limiting mass of 30 g is 6.14×10(-10) m(-2) yr(-1). Comparisons made with measurements and models of the meteoroid population indicate that the flux of objects in this size range is slightly lower (but within the error bars) than the power law distribution determined for the near Earth object population by [2].

Catchment dynamics and social response during flash floods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creutin, J. D.; Lutoff, C.; Ruin, I.; Scolobig, A.; Créton-Cazanave, L.

2009-04-01

The objective of this study is to examine how the current techniques for flash-flood monitoring and forecasting can meet the requirements of the population at risk to evaluate the severity of the flood and anticipate its danger. To this end, we identify the social response time for different social actions in the course of two well studied flash flood events which occurred in France and Italy. We introduce a broad characterization of the event management activities into three types according to their main objective (information, organisation and protection). The activities are also classified into three other types according to the scale and nature of the human group involved (individuals, communities and institutions). The conclusions reached relate to i) the characterisation of the social responses according to watershed scale and to the information available, and ii) to the appropriateness of the existing surveillance and forecasting tools to support the social responses. Our results suggest that representing the dynamics of the social response with just one number representing the average time for warning a population is an oversimplification. It appears that the social response time exhibits a parallel with the hydrological response time, by diminishing in time with decreasing size of the relevant watershed. A second result is that the human groups have different capabilities of anticipation apparently based on the nature of information they use. Comparing watershed response times and social response times shows clearly that at scales of less than 100 km2, a number of actions were taken with response times comparable to the catchment response time. The implications for adapting the warning processes to social scales (individual or organisational scales) are considerable. At small scales and for the implied anticipation times, the reliable and high-resolution description of the actual rainfall field becomes the major source of information for decision-making processes such as deciding between evacuations or advising to stay home. This points to the need to improve the accuracy and quality control of real time radar rainfall data, especially for extreme flash flood generating storms.

A FEROS Survey of Hot Subdwarf Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vennes, Stéphane; Németh, Péter; Kawka, Adela

2018-02-01

We have completed a survey of twenty-two ultraviolet-selected hot subdwarfs using the Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) and the 2.2-m telescope at La Silla. The sample includes apparently single objects as well as hot subdwarfs paired with a bright, unresolved companion. The sample was extracted from our GALEX catalogue of hot subdwarf stars. We identified three new short-period systems (P = 3.5 hours to 5 days) and determined the orbital parameters of a long-period (P = 62d.66) sdO plus G III system. This particular system should evolve into a close double degenerate system following a second common envelope phase.We also conducted a chemical abundance study of the subdwarfs: Some objects show nitrogen and argon abundance excess with respect to oxygen. We present key results of this programme.

Pulsed photoacoustic detection of flash-induced oxygen evolution from intact leaves and its oscillations

PubMed Central

Canaani, Ora; Malkin, Shmuel; Mauzerall, David

1988-01-01

Photoacoustic signals from intact leaves, produced upon excitation with single-turnover flashes, were shown to be dependent on their position in the flash sequence. Compared to the signal obtained from the first flash, all the others were time-shifted and had increased amplitudes. The signal from the third flash had the largest deviation, whereas that from the second flash deviated only minimally. The amplitude difference of the signals relative to that from the first flash was measured at a convenient time point (5 ms) and showed oscillations of period 4, similar to the O2-evolution pattern from algae. These oscillations were strongly damped, tending to a steady state from about the seventh flash on. The extra photoacoustic signal (relative to the first flash) was shown to be inhibited by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, heat treatment, or water infiltration. Its change with flash number, its saturation with increasing flash energy, and the above inhibition criteria indicate that it originates in pulsed O2 evolution. The sound wave produced by the first flash, however, arose by a photothermal mechanism only, as shown by its linear dependence on the flash intensity and insensitivity to the above treatments. The above flash pattern demonstrates that the photocycle of the S states (i.e., positive charge accumulation before two water molecules can be oxidized in a concerted way to produce molecular oxygen) occurs in intact leaves. It proves the applicability of the photoacoustic method for mechanistic studies of O2 evolution in leaves under physiological conditions. Water content of leaves is readily measured by this method. Images PMID:16593952

Acute stress alters autonomic modulation during sleep in women approaching menopause.

PubMed

de Zambotti, Massimiliano; Sugarbaker, David; Trinder, John; Colrain, Ian M; Baker, Fiona C

2016-04-01

Hot flashes, hormones, and psychosocial factors contribute to insomnia risk in the context of the menopausal transition. Stress is a well-recognized factor implicated in the pathophysiology of insomnia; however the impact of stress on sleep and sleep-related processes in perimenopausal women remains largely unknown. We investigated the effect of an acute experimental stress (impending Trier Social Stress Task in the morning) on pre-sleep measures of cortisol and autonomic arousal in perimenopausal women with and without insomnia that developed in the context of the menopausal transition. In addition, we assessed the macro- and micro-structure of sleep and autonomic functioning during sleep. Following adaptation to the laboratory, twenty two women with (age: 50.4 ± 3.2 years) and eighteen women without (age: 48.5 ± 2.3 years) insomnia had two randomized in-lab overnight recordings: baseline and stress nights. Anticipation of the task resulted in higher pre-sleep salivary cortisol levels and perceived tension, faster heart rate and lower vagal activity, based on heart rate variability measures, in both groups of women. The effect of the stress manipulation on the autonomic nervous system extended into the first 4 h of the night in both groups. However, vagal tone recovered 4-6 h into the stress night in controls but not in the insomnia group. Sleep macrostructure was largely unaltered by the stress, apart from a delayed latency to REM sleep in both groups. Quantitative analysis of non-rapid eye movement sleep microstructure revealed greater electroencephalographic (EEG) power in the beta1 range (15-≤23 Hz), reflecting greater EEG arousal during sleep, on the stress night compared to baseline, in the insomnia group. Hot flash frequency remained similar on both nights for both groups. These results show that pre-sleep stress impacts autonomic nervous system functioning before and during sleep in perimenopausal women with and without insomnia. Findings also indicate that women with insomnia had increased EEG arousal and lacked recovery in vagal activity across the stress night suggesting a greater sensitivity to stress in this group. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sexual Desire During the Menopausal Transition and Early Postmenopause: Observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Ellen Sullivan; Smith-Di Julio, Kathy

2010-01-01

Abstract Aims To describe levels of sexual desire across the menopausal transition (MT) and early postmenopause (PM), including effects of age, MT-related factors, health, stress, symptoms (hot flash, sleep, mood), and social opportunity factors. Methods A subset of Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study (SMWHS) participants who provided data during the early reproductive, early and late menopausal transition stages, or postmenopause (n = 286), including menstrual calendars for staging the MT, annual health reports between 1990 and 2005, and morning urine samples assayed for estrone glucuronide (E1G), testosterone (T), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was included. Multilevel modeling using the R program was used to test factors related to sexual desire. Results Women experienced a significant decrease in sexual desire during the late MT stage (p < 0.01) and early PM (p < 0.0001). Those with higher urinary E1G and T reported significantly higher levels of sexual desire, whereas those with higher FSH levels reported significantly lower sexual desire (p < 0.0001, 0.06, and 0.0002, respectively). Women using hormone therapy also reported higher sexual desire (p = 0.02). Those reporting higher perceived stress reported lower sexual desire (p < 0.0001), but history of sexual abuse did not have a significant effect. Those most troubled by symptoms of hot flashes, fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety, difficulty getting to sleep, early morning awakening, and awakening during the night also reported significantly lower sexual desire (p range from <0.03 to 0.0001), but there was no effect of vaginal dryness. Women with better perceived health reported higher sexual desire (p < 0.0001), and those reporting more exercise and more alcohol intake also reported greater sexual desire (p < 0.0001). Having a partner was associated with lower sexual desire. Conclusions Clinicians working with women traversing the MT should be aware that promoting healthy sexual functioning among midlife women requires consideration of their changing biology as well as ongoing life challenges. PMID:20109116

Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn’t

PubMed Central

Geller, Stacie E.; Studee, Laura

2006-01-01

All women reach menopause and approximately two-thirds of women develop menopausal symptoms, primarily hot flashes. Hormone therapy long was considered the first line of treatment for vasomotor symptoms. However, given the results of the Women’s Health Initiative, many women are reluctant use exogenous hormones for symptomatic treatment and are turning to botanicals and dietary supplement (BDS) products for relief. Despite the fact that there is limited scientific evidence describing efficacy and long term safety of such products, many women find these “natural treatments” appealing. Peri- and postmenopausal women are amongst the highest users of these products, but 70% of women do not tell their health care providers about their use. Compounding this issue is the fact that few clinicians ask their patients about use of BDS, largely because they have not been exposed to alternative medical practices in their training and are unfamiliar with these products. This paper reviews the botanicals and dietary supplements commonly used in menopause, (such as black cohosh, red clover, soy products, among others) as well as the available data on efficacy and safety. We searched the MEDLINE database from 1966 to December 2004 using terms related to botanical and dietary supplements and menopausal symptoms for peri- or postmenopausal women. Abstracts from relevant meetings as well as reference books and websites on herbal supplements were also searched. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were used if available; open trials and comparison group studies were used when RCTs were not available. The evidence to date suggests that black cohosh is safe and effective for reducing menopausal symptoms, primarily hot flashes and possibly mood disorders. Phytoestrogen extracts, including soy foods and red clover appear to have at best only minimal effect on menopausal symptoms but have positive health effects on plasma lipid concentrations and may reduce heart disease. St. John’s wort has been shown to improve mild to moderate depression in the general population and appears to show efficacy for mood disorders related to the menopausal transition. Other commonly used botanicals have limited evidence to demonstrate safety and efficacy for relief of symptoms related to menopause. PMID:16181020

Comparative estimation and assessment of initial soil moisture conditions for Flash Flood warning in Saxony

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luong, Thanh Thi; Kronenberg, Rico; Bernhofer, Christian; Janabi, Firas Al; Schütze, Niels

2017-04-01

Flash Floods are known as highly destructive natural hazards due to their sudden appearance and severe consequences. In Saxony/Germany flash floods occur in small and medium catchments of low mountain ranges which are typically ungauged. Besides rainfall and orography, pre-event moisture is decisive, as it determines the available natural retention in the catchment. The Flash Flood Guidance concept according to WMO and Prof. Marco Borga (University of Padua) will be adapted to incorporate pre-event moisture in real-time flood forecast within the ESF EXTRUSO project (SAB-Nr. 100270097). To arrive at pre-event moisture for the complete area of the low mountain range with flash flood potential, a widely applicable, accurate but yet simple approach is needed. Here, we use radar precipitation as input time series, detailed orographic, land-use and soil information and a lumped parameter model to estimate the overall catchment soil moisture and potential retention. When combined with rainfall forecast and its intrinsic uncertainty, the approach allows to find the point in time when precipitation exceeds the retention potential of the catchment. Then, spatially distributed and complex hydrological modeling and additional measurements can be initiated. Assuming reasonable rainfall forecasts of 24 to 48hrs, this part can start up to two days in advance of the actual event. The lumped-parameter model BROOK90 is used and tested for well observed catchments. First, physical meaningful parameters (like albedo or soil porosity) a set according to standards and second, "free" parameters (like percentage of lateral flow) were calibrated objectively by PEST (Model-Independent Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis) with the target on evapotranspiration and soil moisture which both have been measured at the study site Anchor Station Tharandt in Saxony/Germany. Finally, first results are presented for the Wernersbach catchment in Tharandt forest for main flood events in the 50-year gauging period since 1968.

"Gamestar Mechanic": Learning a Designer Mindset through Communicational Competence with the Language of Games

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Games, Ivan Alex

2010-01-01

This article presents the results of a three-year study of "Gamestar Mechanic" (www.gamestarmechanic.com), a flash-based multiplayer online role-playing game developed for the MacArthur Foundation's digital media learning initiative by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Gamelab in New York. The game's objective is to help children…

Enumeration versus Multiple Object Tracking: The Case of Action Video Game Players

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, C. S.; Bavelier, D.

2006-01-01

Here, we demonstrate that action video game play enhances subjects' ability in two tasks thought to indicate the number of items that can be apprehended. Using an enumeration task, in which participants have to determine the number of quickly flashed squares, accuracy measures showed a near ceiling performance for low numerosities and a sharp drop…

[Contamination of health care institutions environmental objects by Legionella pneumophila].

PubMed

Shkarin, V V; Blagonravova, A S; Chubukova, O A; Korotaeva, S V

2011-01-01

AIM. The extent of environmental objects contamination by Legionella pneumophila in Nizhny Novgorod and Nizhny Novgorod region hospitals evaluation, and detection of potentially hazardous objects. 433 swabs of environmental objects, and 43 hot water supply and pool water samples from various departments of 4 multi-disciplinary hospitals were studies. DNA from environmental samples was detected by using real time PCR. L. pneumophila DNA was detected in 41 (9,47%) samples from environmental objects and in 2 (4,65%) samples from hot water supply. These bacteria were more frequently detected in environmental samples from physiotherapy departments. Repeated detection of legionellae from the same objects was registered. Circulation of legionellae in multidisciplinary hospitals was determined. Circulation high risk departments and risk objects--reservoirs of L. pneumophila in health care institutions were determined.

A first look at global flash drought: long term change and short term predictability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xing; Wang, Linying; Ji, Peng

2017-04-01

"Flash drought" became popular after the unexpected 2012 central USA drought, mainly due to its rapid development, low predictability and devastating impacts on water resources and crop yields. A pilot study by Mo and Lettenmaier (2015) found that flash drought, based on a definition of concurrent heat extreme, soil moisture deficit and evapotranspiration (ET) enhancement at pentad scale, were in decline over USA during recent 100 years. Meanwhile, a recent work indicated that the occurrence of flash drought in China was doubled during the past 30 years, where a severe flash drought in the summer of 2013 ravaged 13 provinces in southern China. As global warming increases the frequency of heat waves and accelerates the hydrological cycle, the flash drought is expected to increase in general, but its trend might also be affected by interannual to decadal climate oscillations. To consolidate the hotspots of flash drought and the effects of climate change on flash drought, a global inventory is being conducted by using multi-source observations (in-situ, satellite and reanalysis), CMIP5 historical simulations and future projections under different forcing scenarios, as well as global land surface hydrological modeling for key variables including surface air temperature, soil moisture and ET. In particular, a global picture of the flash drought distribution, the contribution of naturalized and anthropogenic forcings to global flash drought change, and the risk of global flash drought in the future, will be presented. Besides investigating the long-term change of flash drought, providing reliable early warning is also essential to developing adaptation strategies. While regional drought early warning systems have been emerging in recent decade, forecasting of flash drought is still at an exploratory stage due to limited understanding of flash drought predictability. Here, a set of sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) hindcast datasets are being used to assess the short term predictability of flash drought via a perfect model assumption.

Muzzle flash issues related to the Waco FLIR analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, Barbara G.; Hardy, David T.

2001-09-01

The controversy surrounding the origin of flashes on the Mt. Carmel FLIR videotape acquired on April 19, 1993, is introduced. The characteristics of muzzle flash are reviewed. A comparative weapons description is offered. The temporal, spatial, and radiance characteristics of thermal infrared muzzle flash are addressed. Data acquired from a field experiment are presented. The authors conclude that the spatial characteristics of muzzle flash enable its detection by equipment such as the FLIR in use at Mt. Carmel on April 19, 1993; that while flashes obtained in the field appear highly radiant, measurements are necessary to quantify their values; and that the temporal behavior of muzzle flash deserves further study.

The Kinematic and Microphysical Control of Storm Integrated Lightning Flash Extent

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, Lawrence; Koshak, William; Petersen, Harold; Schultz, Elise; Schultz, Chris; Matthee, Retha; Bain, Lamont

2012-01-01

The objective of this preliminary study is to investigate the kinematic and microphysical control of lightning properties, particularly those that may govern the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in thunderstorms, such as flash rate, type and extent. The mixed-phase region is where the noninductive charging (NIC) process is thought to generate most storm electrification during rebounding collisions between ice particles in the presence of supercooled water. As a result, prior radar-based studies have demonstrated that lightning flash rate is well correlated to kinematic and microphysical properties in the mixed-phase region of thunderstorms such as updraft volume, graupel mass, or ice mass flux. There is also some evidence that lightning type is associated with the convective state. Intracloud (IC) lightning tends to dominate during the updraft accumulation of precipitation ice mass while cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is more numerous during the downdraft-driven descent of radar echo associated with graupel and hail. More study is required to generalize these relationships, especially regarding lightning type, in a wide variety of storm modes and meteorological conditions. Less is known about the co-evolving relationship between storm kinematics, microphysics, morphology and three-dimensional flash extent, despite its importance for lightning NOx production. To address this conceptual gap, the NASA MSFC Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) is applied to North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) and Vaisala National Lightning Detection NetworkTM (NLDN) observations following ordinary convective cells through their lifecycle. LNOM provides estimates of flash type, channel length distributions, lightning segment altitude distributions (SADs) and lightning NOx production profiles. For this study, LNOM is applied in a Lagrangian sense to well isolated convective cells on 3 April 2007 (single cell and multi-cell hailstorm, non-severe multicell) and 6 July 2007 (non-severe multi-cell) over Northern Alabama. The LNOM lightning characteristics are compared to the evolution of updraft and precipitation properties inferred from dual-Doppler and polarimetric radar analyses applied to observations from a nearby Doppler radar network, including the UA Huntsville Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR, C-band, polarimetric). The LNOM estimated SAD and lightning NOx production profiles are placed in the context of radar derived profiles of vertical motion, precipitation types and amounts. Finally, these analyses are used to determine if storm integrated flash channel extent is as well correlated to volumetric updraft and precipitation ice characteristics in the mixed phase region as flash rate for these individual convective cells.

Initial Breakdown Pulse Parameters in Intracloud and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, E. M.; Marshall, T. C.; Karunarathne, S.; Siedlecki, R.; Stolzenburg, M.

2018-02-01

This study analyzes the largest initial breakdown (IB) pulse in flashes from four storms in Florida; data from three sensor arrays are used. The range-normalized, zero-to-peak amplitude of the largest IB pulse was determined along with its altitude, duration, and timing within each flash. Appropriate data were available for 40 intracloud (IC) and 32 cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes. Histograms of amplitude of the largest IB pulse by flash type were similar, with mean (median) values of 1.49 (1.05) V/m for IC flashes and -1.35 (-0.87) V/m for CG flashes. The largest IB pulse in 30 IC flashes showed a weak inverse relation between pulse amplitude and altitude. Amplitude of the largest IB pulse for 25 CG flashes showed no altitude correlation. Duration of the largest IB pulse in ICs averaged twice as long as in CGs (96 μs versus 46 μs), and all of the CG durations were <100 μs. Among the ICs, there is a positive relation between largest IB pulse duration and amplitude; the linear correlation coefficient is 0.385 with outliers excluded. The largest IB pulse in IC flashes typically occurred at a longer time after the first IB pulse (average 4.1 ms) than was the case in CG flashes (average 0.6 ms). In both flash types, the largest IB pulse was the first IB pulse in about 30% of the cases. In one storm all 42 IC flashes with triggered data had IB pulses.

Cloud-to-ground lightning and surface rainfall in warm-season Florida thunderstorms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gungle, B.; Krider, E.P.

2006-01-01

Relationships between cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning and surface rainfall have been examined in nine isolated, warm-season thunderstorms on the east coast of central Florida. CG flashes and the associated rain volumes were measured as a function of time in storm-centered reference frames that followed each storm over a network of rain gauges. Values of the storm-average rain volume per CG flash ranged from 0.70 ?? 104 to 6.4 ?? 104 m3/CG flash, with a mean (and standard deviation) of 2.6 ?? 104 ?? 2.1 ?? 104 m3/CG flash. Values of the rain volume concurrent with CG flashes ranged from 0.11 ?? 104 to 4.9 ?? 104 m3/CG flash with a mean of 2.1 ?? 104 ?? 2.0 ?? 104 m3/CG flash. The lag-time between the peak CG flash rate and the peak rainfall rate (using 5 min bins), and the results of a lag correlation analysis, show that surface rainfall tends to follow the lightning (positive lag) by up to 20 min in six storms. In one storm the rainfall preceded the lightning by 5 min, and two storms had nonsignificant lags. Values of the lagged rain volume concurrent with CG flashes ranged from 0.43 ?? 104 to 4.9 ?? 104 m3/CG flash, and the mean was 1.9 ?? 104 ?? 1.7 ?? 104 m3/CG flash. For the five storms that produced 12 or more flashes and had significant lags, a plot of the optimum lag time versus the total number of CG flashes shows a linear trend (R2 = 0.56). The number of storms is limited, but the lag results do indicate that large storms tend to have longer lags. A linear fit to the lagged rain volume vs. the number of concurrent CG flashes has a slope of 1.9 ?? 104 m3/CG flash (R2 = 0.83). We conclude that warm-season Florida thunderstorms produce a roughly constant rain volume per CG flash and that CG lightning can be used to estimate the location and intensity of convective rainfall in that weather regime. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.

HotJava: Sun's Animated Interactive World Wide Web Browser for the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machovec, George S., Ed.

1995-01-01

Examines HotJava and Java, World Wide Web technology for use on the Internet. HotJava, an interactive, animated Web browser, based on the object-oriented Java programming language, is different from HTML-based browsers such as Netscape. Its client/server design does not understand Internet protocols but can dynamically find what it needs to know.…

Comparison of two methods of visual magnification for removal of adhesive flash during bracket placement using two types of orthodontic bonding agents

PubMed Central

Alencar, Estefania Queiroga de Santana e; Nobrega, Maria de Lourdes Martins; Dametto, Fabio Roberto; dos Santos, Patrícia Bittencourt Dutra; Pinheiro, Fabio Henrique de Sá Leitão

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods of visual magnification (operating microscope and light head magnifying glass) for removal of composite flash around orthodontic metal brackets. Material and Methods: Brackets were bonded in the center of the clinical crown of sixty well-preserved human premolars. Half of the sample was bonded with conventional Transbond XT (3M Unitek TM, USA), whereas the other half was bonded with Transbond TM Plus Color Change (3M Unitek TM, USA). For each type of composite, the choice of method to remove the flash was determined by randomly distributing the teeth into the following subgroups: A (removal by naked eye, n = 10), B (removal with the aid of light head magnifying glass, under 4x magnification, n = 10), and C (removal with the aid of an operating microscope, under 40x magnification, n = 10). Brackets were debonded and teeth taken to a scanning electron microscope (SS-x-550, Shimadzu, Japan) for visualization of their buccal surface. Quantification of composite flash was performed with Image Pro Plus software, and values were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s post-hoc test at 5% significance level. Results: Removal of pigmented orthodontic adhesive with the aid of light head magnifying glass proved, in general, to be advantageous in comparison to all other methods. Conclusion: There was no advantage in using Transbond TM Plus Color Change alone. Further studies are necessary to draw a more definitive conclusion in regards to the benefits of using an operating microscope. PMID:28125139

Using neutrons to measure keV temperatures in highly compressed plastic at multi-Gbar pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilsen, J.; Bachmann, B.; Zimmerman, G. B.; Hatarik, R.; Döppner, T.; Swift, D.; Hawreliak, J.; Collins, G. W.; Falcone, R. W.; Glenzer, S. H.; Kraus, D.; Landen, O. L.; Kritcher, A. L.

2016-12-01

We have designed an experiment for the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials such as plastic at extreme pressures. The design employs a strong spherically converging shock launched through a solid ball of material using a hohlraum radiation drive. The shock front conditions can be characterized using X-ray radiography until background from shock coalescence overtakes the backlit signal. Shock coalescence at the center is predicted to reach tens of Gbars and can be further characterized by measuring the X-ray self-emission and 2.45 MeV neutrons emitted from the shock flash region. In this simulation design work the standard plastic sphere is replaced with a deuterated polyethylene sphere, CD2, that reaches sufficiently high densities and temperatures in the central hot spot to produce neutrons from Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) fusion reactions that can be measured by a neutron time of flight spectrometer (nTOF) and act as a temperature diagnostic. This paper focuses on the design of these experiments, based on an extensive suite of radiation-hydrodynamics simulations, and the interpretation of the predicted DD neutron signals. The simulations predict mean temperatures of 1 keV in the central hot spot with mean densities of 33 g/cc and mean pressures of 25 Gbar. A preliminary comparison with early experimental results looks promising with an average ion temperature of 1.06 ± 0.15 keV in the central hot spot estimated from the nTOF spectral width and measured neutron yield of 7.0 (±0.5) × 109 DD neutrons.

Post-Flash Validation of the new ACS/WFC Subarrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellini, A.; Grogin, N. A.; Lim, P. L.; Golimowski, D.

2017-05-01

We made use of the new ACS/WFC subarray images of CAL-14410, taken taken with a large range of flash exposure times (0.1-30 seconds), to probe the temporal stability of the reference flash file and to validate the current post-flash correction pipeline of CALACS and ACS DESTRIPE PLUS on the new subarray modes. No statistically-significant deviations are found between the new post-flashed subarray exposures and the flash reference file, indicating that the LED lamp used to post-flash ACS images has been stable over several years. The current calibration pipelines (both CALACS and ACS DESTRIPE PLUS can be successfully used with the new subarray modes.

Flash Platform Examination

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

than would be performed in software”[108]. Uro Tinic, one of the Flash player’s engineers, further clarifies exactly what Flash player 10 hardware...www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/features/ (Access date: 28 Sep 2009). [109] Uro , T. What Does GPU Acceleration Mean? (online), http...133] Shorten, A. (2009), Design to Development: Flash Catalyst to Flash Builder, In Proceedings of Adobe Max 2009, Los Angeles, CA. 142 DRDC

The Evolution and Structure of Extreme Optical Lightning Flashes.

PubMed

Peterson, Michael; Rudlosky, Scott; Deierling, Wiebke

2017-12-27

This study documents the composition, morphology, and motion of extreme optical lightning flashes observed by the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). The furthest separation of LIS events (groups) in any flash is 135 km (89 km), the flash with the largest footprint had an illuminated area of 10,604 km 2 , and the most dendritic flash has 234 visible branches. The longest-duration convective LIS flash lasted 28 s and is overgrouped and not physical. The longest-duration convective-to-stratiform propagating flash lasted 7.4 s, while the longest-duration entirely stratiform flash lasted 4.3 s. The longest series of nearly consecutive groups in time lasted 242 ms. The most radiant recorded LIS group (i.e., "superbolt") is 735 times more radiant than the average group. Factors that impact these optical measures of flash morphology and evolution are discussed. While it is apparent that LIS can record the horizontal development of the lightning channel in some cases, radiative transfer within the cloud limits the flash extent and level of detail measured from orbit. These analyses nonetheless suggest that lightning imagers such as LIS and Geostationary Lightning Mapper can complement ground-based lightning locating systems for studying physical lightning phenomena across large geospatial domains.

Hold-up power supply for flash memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, William E. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A hold-up power supply for flash memory systems is provided. The hold-up power supply provides the flash memory with the power needed to temporarily operate when a power loss exists. This allows the flash memory system to complete any erasures and writes, and thus allows it to shut down gracefully. The hold-up power supply detects when a power loss on a power supply bus is occurring and supplies the power needed for the flash memory system to temporally operate. The hold-up power supply stores power in at least one capacitor. During normal operation, power from a high voltage supply bus is used to charge the storage capacitors. When a power supply loss is detected, the power supply bus is disconnected from the flash memory system. A hold-up controller controls the power flow from the storage capacitors to the flash memory system. The hold-up controller uses feedback to assure that the proper voltage is provided from the storage capacitors to the flash memory system. This power supplied by the storage capacitors allows the flash memory system to complete any erasures and writes, and thus allows the flash memory system to shut down gracefully.

Determination of flash point in air and pure oxygen using an equilibrium closed bomb apparatus.

PubMed

Kong, Dehong; am Ende, David J; Brenek, Steven J; Weston, Neil P

2003-08-29

The standard closed testers for flash point measurements may not be feasible for measuring flash point in special atmospheres like oxygen because the test atmosphere cannot be maintained due to leakage and the laboratory safety can be compromised. To address these limitations we developed a new "equilibrium closed bomb" (ECB). The ECB generally gives lower flash point values than standard closed cup testers as shown by the results of six flammable liquids. The present results are generally in good agreement with the values calculated from the reported lower flammability limits and the vapor pressures. Our measurements show that increased oxygen concentration had little effect on the flash points of the tested flammable liquids. While generally regarded as non-flammable because of the lack of observed flash point in standard closed cup flash point testers, dichloromethane is known to form flammable mixtures. The flash point of dichloromethane in oxygen measured in the ECB is -7.1 degrees C. The flash point of dichloromethane in air is dependent on the type and energy of the ignition source. Further research is being carried out to establish the relationship between the flash point of dichloromethane and the energy of the ignition source.

Galaxies Burn Bright Like High-Wattage Light Bulbs

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-29

NASA WISE has identified about 1,000 extremely obscured objects over the sky, as marked by the magenta symbols. These hot dust-obscured galaxies, or hot DOGs, are turning out to be among the most luminous.

An unusual characteristic “flower-like” pattern: flash suppressor burns

PubMed Central

Gurcan, Altun

2012-01-01

The case on contact shots from firearms with a flash suppressor is rare. When a rifle fitted with a flash suppressor is fired, the emerging soot-laden gas in the barrel escapes from the slits of the flash suppressor. If the shot is contact or near contact, the flash suppressor will produce a characteristic “flower-like” pattern of seared, blackened zones around the entrance. This paper presents the injury pattern of the flash suppressor in a 29-year-old man who committed suicide with a G3 automatic infantry rifle. PMID:23935280

An unusual characteristic "flower-like" pattern: flash suppressor burns.

PubMed

Gurcan, Altun

2012-04-01

The case on contact shots from firearms with a flash suppressor is rare. When a rifle fitted with a flash suppressor is fired, the emerging soot-laden gas in the barrel escapes from the slits of the flash suppressor. If the shot is contact or near contact, the flash suppressor will produce a characteristic "flower-like" pattern of seared, blackened zones around the entrance. This paper presents the injury pattern of the flash suppressor in a 29-year-old man who committed suicide with a G3 automatic infantry rifle.

Mineral Grains, Dimples, and Hot Volcanic Organic Streams: Dynamic Geological Backstage of Macromolecular Evolution.

PubMed

Skoblikow, Nikolai E; Zimin, Andrei A

2018-04-01

The hypothesis of hot volcanic organic stream as the most probable and geologically plausible environment for abiogenic polycondensation is proposed. The primary synthesis of organic compounds is considered as result of an explosive volcanic (perhaps, meteorite-induced) eruption. The eruption was accompanied by a shock wave propagating in the primeval atmosphere and resulting in the formation of hot cloud of simple organic compounds-aldehydes, alcohols, amines, amino alcohols, nitriles, and amino acids-products, which are usually obtained under the artificial conditions in the spark-discharge experiments. The subsequent cooling of the organic cloud resulted in a gradual condensation and a serial precipitation of organic compounds (in order of decreasing boiling point values) into the liquid phase forming a hot, viscous and muddy organic stream (named "lithorheos"). That stream-even if the time of its existence was short-is considered here as a geologically plausible environment for abiogenic polycondensation. The substances successively prevailing in such a stream were cyanamide, acetamide, formamide, glycolonitrile, acetonitrile. An important role was played by mineral (especially, phosphate-containing) grains (named "lithosomes"), whose surface was modified with heterocyclic nitrogen compounds synthesized in the course of eruption. When such grains got into hot organic streams, their surface catalytic centers (named "lithozymes") played a decisive role in the emergence, facilitation and maintenance of prebiotic reactions and key processes characteristic of living systems. Owing to its cascade structure, the stream was a factor underlying the formation of mineral-polymeric aggregates (named "lithocytes") in the small natural streambed cavities (dimples)-as well as a factor of their further spread within larger geological locations which played a role of chemo-ecological niches. All three main stages of prebiotic evolution (primary organic synthesis, polycondensation, and formation of proto-cellular structures) are combined within a common dynamic geological process. We suppose macromolecular evolution had an extremely fast, "flash" start: the period from volcanic eruption to formation of lithocyte "populations" took not million years but just several tens of minutes. The scenario proposed can be verified experimentally with a three-module setup working with principles of dynamic (flow) chemistry in its core element.

Optimal flash rate and duty cycle for flashing visual indicators.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markowitz, J.

1971-01-01

This experiment examined the ability of observers to determine, as quickly as possible, whether a visual indicator was steadily on or flashing. Six flash rates (periods) were combined factorially with three duty cycles (on-off ratios) to define 18 ?types' of intermittent signals. Experimental sessions were divided into six runs of 100 trials, each run utilizing one of the six flash rates. On any given trial in a run, the probability of a steady signal occurring was 0.5 and the probability of a flashing signal occurring was 0.5. A different duty cycle was employed daily for each experimental session. In all, 400 trials were devoted to each of the flash rates at each duty cycle. Accuracy and latency of response were the dependent variables of interest. The results show that the observers view the light for an interval of time appropriate to the expected flash rate and duty cycle; whether they judge the light to be steady or intermittent depends upon whether the light is extinguished during the predetermined waiting period. Adoption of this temporal criterion delays responding in comparison to those tasks involving responses to light onset. The decision or response criteria held by the observers are also sensitive to the parameters of the flashing light: observers become increasingly willing to call a flashing light ?steady' as flash duration increases.

Synchronized Electronic Shutter System (SESS) for Thermal Nondestructive Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalameda, Joseph N.

2001-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new method for thermal nondestructive evaluation. This method uses a synchronized electronic shutter system (SESS) to remove the heat lamp's influence on the thermal data during and after flash heating. There are two main concerns when using flash heating. The first concern is during the flash when the photons are reflected back into the camera. This tends to saturate the detectors and potentially introduces unknown and uncorrectable errors when curve fitting the data to a model. To address this, an electronically controlled shutter was placed over the infrared camera lens. Before firing the flash lamps, the shutter is opened to acquire the necessary background data for offset calibration. During flash heating, the shutter is closed to prevent the photons from the high intensity flash from saturating the camera's detectors. The second concern is after the flash heating where the lamps radiate heat after firing. This residual cooling introduces an unwanted transient thermal response into the data. To remove this residual effect, a shutter was placed over the flash lamps to block the infrared heat radiating from the flash head after heating. This helped to remove the transient contribution of the flash. The flash lamp shutters were synchronized electronically with the camera shutter. Results are given comparing the use of the thermal inspection with and without the shutter system.

Post-Treatment Survivorship Care Needs of Spanish-speaking Latinas with Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Nápoles, Anna María; Ortiz, Carmen; Santoyo-Olsson, Jasmine; Stewart, Anita L.; Lee, Howard E.; Duron, Ysabel; Dixit, Niharika; Luce, Judith; Flores, Diana J.

2017-01-01

Background A comprehensive assessment of Spanish-speaking breast cancer survivors’ (SSBCS) survivorship needs is lacking. Objective Assess SSBCS’ post-treatment symptom management, psychosocial, and informational needs. Methods 118 telephone surveys and 25 in-person semi-structured interviews with SSBCS, and semi-structured interviews with 5 support providers and 4 physicians who serve SSBCS from 5 Northern California counties. Results Surveys identified the most bothersome (bothered by it in the past month “somewhat/quite a bit/a lot”) physical symptoms as: joint pain, fatigue, hot flashes, numbness in hands/feet, and vaginal dryness. The most bothersome emotional symptoms were thoughts of recurrence/new cancers, depression/sadness, anxieties, and stress. Seven themes emerged from interviews: 1) unmet physical symptom management needs; 2) social support from family/friends often ends when treatment is completed; 3) challenges resuming roles; 5) sense of abandonment by health care system when treatment ends; 6) need for formal transition from active treatment to follow-up care; 6) fear of recurrence especially when obtaining follow-up care; and 7) desire for information on late effects of initial treatments and side effects of hormonal treatments. Based on survey and interview results, we present a conceptual framework for survivorship care interventions for SSBCS. Limitations Sample may not represent SSBCS’ concerns seen outside of Northern California hospitals. Conclusions Physical and psychosocial symptoms were common. SSBCS need culturally appropriate survivorship care programs that address symptom management, psychosocial concerns, follow-up care, and healthy lifestyles. PMID:28944260

In vitro metabolic interactions between black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and tamoxifen via inhibition of cytochromes P450 2D6 and 3A4

PubMed Central

Li, Jinghu; Gödecke, Tanja; Chen, Shao-Nong; Imai, Ayano; Lankin, David; Farnsworth, Norman R.; Pauli, Guido F.; van Breemen, Richard B.; Nikolić, Dejan

2012-01-01

Women who experience hot flashes as a side effect of tamoxifen therapy often try botanical remedies such as black cohosh to alleviate these symptoms. Since pharmacological activity of tamoxifen is dependent on the metabolic conversion into active metabolites by the action of cytochromes P450 2D6 and 3A4, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether black cohosh extracts can inhibit formation of active tamoxifen metabolites and possibly reduce its clinical efficacy.At 50 µg/ml, a 75% ethanolic extract of black cohosh inhibited formation of 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen by 66.3%, N-desmethyl tamoxifen by 74.6% and α-hydroxy tamoxifen by 80.3%. In addition, using midazolam and dextromethorphan as probe substrates, this extract inhibited CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 with IC50 values of 16.5 and 50.1 µg/ml, respectively.Eight triterpene glycosides were identified as competitive CYP3A4 inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 2.3–5.1 µM, while the alkaloids protopine and allocryptopine were identified as competitive CYP2D6 inhibitors with Ki values of 78 and 122 nM, respectively.The results of this study suggests that co-administration of black cohosh with tamoxifen might interfere with the clinical efficacy of this drug. However, additional clinical studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these in vitro results. PMID:21827327

Safety and Tolerability of Panax ginseng Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial in Healthy Korean Volunteers

PubMed Central

Lee, Nam-Hun; Yoo, Sa-Ra; Kim, Hyeong-Geug; Cho, Jung-Hyo

2012-01-01

Abstract Objectives Panax ginseng has been extensively used as an adaptogen and is among the top 10 selling herbal supplements in the United States over the past decade. However, there have been few reports about the toxicity of P. ginseng in human studies. Given the lack of toxicological studies in human, this study investigated whether P. ginseng administration causes any noticeable toxic effects in healthy volunteers. Methods This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel group trial in healthy volunteers. The subjects were required to be healthy, free from any significant disease, as assessed at screening by physical examination, medical history, and laboratory (hematological and biochemical) tests. Eligible subjects received P. ginseng extract (1 g/day or 2 g/day) or placebo over a 4-week period. Results Although mild adverse events, such as dyspepsia, hot flash, insomnia, and constipation, were reported in both P. ginseng and placebo group, no serious untoward reactions were reported following P. ginseng administration. Nonsignificant changes were observed in hematological and biochemical tests. Conclusions P. ginseng administration for 4 weeks was shown to be safe, tolerable, and free of any untoward toxic effect in healthy male and female volunteers. Future results from ongoing multicenter collaborative efforts to evaluate short- and long-term effects of P. ginseng may contribute to our current understanding of safety and tolerability of this herbal product. PMID:22909282

Outcomes of Implementing the Women's Health Assessment Tool and Clinical Decision Support Tool Kit

PubMed Central

Silvestrin, Terry; Steenrod, Anna; Coyne, Karin; Gross, David; Esinduy, Canan; Kodsi, Angela; Slifka, Gayle; Abraham, Lucy; Araiza, Anna; Bushmakin, Andrew; Luo, Xuemei

2016-01-01

Aim: To evaluate outcomes after implementing the women's health assessment tool (WHAT) and clinical decision support toolkit during annual well-women visits. Methods: An observational project involved women aged 45–64 years attending one of three medical sites in Washington (WA, USA). Responses to the WHAT questionnaire and patients' health resource utilization prepost toolkit implementation were analyzed. Results: A total of 110 women completed the WHAT questionnaire. Majority of women were postmenopausal (77.3%) and experienced depressive mood (63.6%), hot flashes (61.8%) or anxiety (60.9%) in the last 3 months. There was a 72.2% increase in the number of diagnoses made during the annual visit versus the previous 12 months. Conclusion: The WHAT/clinical decision support toolkit helped identify conditions relevant to mid-life women. PMID:27188377

Mock X-ray Observations of Localized LMC Outflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomesh, Teague; Bustard, Chad; Zweibel, Ellen

2018-01-01

The Milky Way’s nearest neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), is a perfect testing ground for modeling a variety of astrophysical phenomena. Specifically, the LMC provides a unique opportunity for the study of possible localized outflows driven by star formation and their x-ray signatures. We have developed FLASH simulations of theoretical outflows originating in the LMC that we have used to generate predicted observations of X-ray luminosity. This X-ray emission can be a useful probe of the hot gas in these winds which may couple to the cool gas and drive it from the disk. Future observations of the LMC may provide us with valuable checks on our model. This work is partially supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program under grant No. DGE-125625 and NSF grant No. AST-1616037.

Quantum Optical Heating in Sonoluminescence Experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurcz, Andreas; Capolupo, Antonio; Beige, Almut

2009-03-30

Sonoluminescence occurs when tiny bubbles rilled with noble gas atoms are driven by a sound wave. Each cycle of the driving field is accompanied by a collapse phase in which the bubble radius decreases rapidly until a short but very strong light flash is emitted. The spectrum of the light corresponds to very high temperatures and hints at the presence of a hot plasma core. While everyone accepts that the effect is real, the main energy focussing mechanism is highly controversial. Here we suggest that the heating of the bubble might be due to a weak but highly inhomogeneous electricmore » field as it occurs during rapid bubble deformations [A. Kurcz et al.(submitted)]. It is shown that such a field couples the quantised motion of the atoms to their electronic states, thereby resulting in very high heating rates.« less

HYPNOSIS FOR SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Jensen, Mark P.; Gralow, Julie R.; Braden, Alan; Gertz, Kevin J.; Fann, Jesse R.; Syrjala, Karen L.

2018-01-01

Eight women who were in treatment for breast cancer (n = 4) or breast cancer survivors (n = 4), presenting with 1 or more of 4 symptoms (chronic pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and sleep difficulties), were given 4 to 5 sessions of self-hypnosis training for symptom management. Analyses revealed (a) significant pre- to posttreatment decreases in pain intensity, fatigue, and sleep problems and (b) that pain intensity continued to decrease from posttreatment to 6-month follow-up. Although there was a slight increase in fatigue severity and sleep problems from posttreatment to 6-month follow-up, the follow-up scores did not return to pretreatment levels. The findings provide initial support for using hypnosis to manage symptoms in women who are breast cancer survivors. Clinical trials evaluating hypnosis efficacy over and above other treatments are warranted. PMID:22443523

Degarelix: a novel gonadotropin-releasing hormone blocker for the treatment of prostate cancer.

PubMed

Anderson, John

2009-05-01

Androgen deprivation therapy with gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) receptor agonists provides the mainstay of endocrine treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Although effective, GnRH agonists induce an initial testosterone surge, which can cause painful and potentially dangerous clinical flare. Degarelix is a novel GnRH receptor blocker that provides immediate, profound and sustained testosterone reduction, without an initial surge. In a Phase III trial, degarelix and leuprolide showed similar long-term efficacy in maintaining testosterone levels of 0.5 ng/ml or less over 1 year, and induced significantly faster testosterone and prostate-specific antigen suppression. Degarelix was well tolerated; the most common side effects were mild/moderate injection-site reactions and hot flashes. Findings to date suggest that degarelix may make an important contribution to the treatment of prostate cancer.

Subjective Health Complaints Among Workers in the Aftermath of an Oil Tank Explosion.

PubMed

Tjalvin, Gro; Hollund, Bjørg Eli; Lygre, Stein Håkon Låstad; Moen, Bente Elisabeth; Bråtveit, Magne

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess whether exposed workers had more subjective health complaints than controls 1 1/2 years after a chemical explosion involving a mixture of hydrocarbons and sulfurous compounds. A cross-sectional survey based on the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) was conducted among 147 exposed workers and 137 controls. A significantly higher total SCH score (linear regression, p=.01) was found for the exposed workers compared with controls when adjusting for gender, age, smoking habits, and educational level. The exposed workers reported significantly more headache, hot flashes, sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, and sadness/depression. The cause of these complaints is unknown, but health personnel should be aware that health complaints might be related to polluting episodes even when exposure levels are below occupational guideline levels.

A spatially collocated sound thrusts a flash into awareness

PubMed Central

Aller, Máté; Giani, Anette; Conrad, Verena; Watanabe, Masataka; Noppeney, Uta

2015-01-01

To interact effectively with the environment the brain integrates signals from multiple senses. It is currently unclear to what extent spatial information can be integrated across different senses in the absence of awareness. Combining dynamic continuous flash suppression (CFS) and spatial audiovisual stimulation, the current study investigated whether a sound facilitates a concurrent visual flash to elude flash suppression and enter perceptual awareness depending on audiovisual spatial congruency. Our results demonstrate that a concurrent sound boosts unaware visual signals into perceptual awareness. Critically, this process depended on the spatial congruency of the auditory and visual signals pointing towards low level mechanisms of audiovisual integration. Moreover, the concurrent sound biased the reported location of the flash as a function of flash visibility. The spatial bias of sounds on reported flash location was strongest for flashes that were judged invisible. Our results suggest that multisensory integration is a critical mechanism that enables signals to enter conscious perception. PMID:25774126

Application of adobe flash media to optimize jigsaw learning model on geometry material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imam, P.; Imam, S.; Ikrar, P.

2018-05-01

This study aims to determine and describe the effectiveness of the application of adobe flash media for jigsaw learning model on geometry material. In this study, the modified jigsaw learning with adobe flash media is called jigsaw-flash model. This research was conducted in Surakarta. The research method used is mix method research with exploratory sequential strategy. The results of this study indicate that students feel more comfortable and interested in studying geometry material taught by jigsaw-flash model. In addition, students taught using the jigsaw-flash model are more active and motivated than the students who were taught using ordinary jigsaw models. This shows that the use of the jigsaw-flash model can increase student participation and motivation. It can be concluded that the adobe flash media can be used as a solution to reduce the level of student abstraction in learning mathematics.

Simulations of bremsstrahlung emission in ultra-intense laser interactions with foil targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyskočil, Jiří; Klimo, Ondřej; Weber, Stefan

2018-05-01

Bremsstrahlung emission from interactions of short ultra-intense laser pulses with solid foils is studied using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. A module for simulating bremsstrahlung has been implemented in the PIC loop to self-consistently account for the dynamics of the laser–plasma interaction, plasma expansion, and the emission of gamma ray photons. This module made it possible to study emission from thin targets, where refluxing of hot electrons plays an important role. It is shown that the angular distribution of the emitted photons exhibits a four-directional structure with the angle of emission decreasing with the increase of the width of the target. Additionally, a collimated forward flash consisting of high energy photons has been identified in thin targets. The conversion efficiency of the energy of the laser pulse to the energy of the gamma rays rises with both the driving pulse intensity, and the thickness of the target. The amount of gamma rays also increases with the atomic number of the target material, despite a lower absorption of the driving laser pulse. The angular spectrum of the emitted gamma rays is directly related to the increase of hot electron divergence during their refluxing and its measurement can be used in experiments to study this process.

46 CFR 35.20-30 - Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-30 Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light—T/ALL. No person shall flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a search light or other blinding light... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding...

46 CFR 35.20-30 - Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-30 Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light—T/ALL. No person shall flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a search light or other blinding light... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding...

46 CFR 35.20-30 - Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-30 Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light—T/ALL. No person shall flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a search light or other blinding light... 46 Shipping 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding...

46 CFR 35.20-30 - Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-30 Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light—T/ALL. No person shall flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a search light or other blinding light... 46 Shipping 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding...

46 CFR 35.20-30 - Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-30 Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light—T/ALL. No person shall flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a search light or other blinding light... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Flashing the rays of a searchlight or other blinding...

Characteristics of flash initiations in a supercell cluster with tornadoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dong; MacGorman, Donald R.

2016-01-01

Flash initiations within a supercell cluster during 10-11 May 2010 in Oklahoma were investigated based on observations from the Oklahoma Lightning Mapping Array and the Norman, Oklahoma, polarimetric radar (KOUN). The flash initiations at positions dominated by graupel, dry snow, small hail and crystals accounted for 44.3%, 44.1%, 8.0% and 3.0% of the total flashes, respectively. During the tornadic stage of the southern supercell in the cluster, flash initiations associated with graupel occupied the main body, the right flank and the forward flank of the supercell, while those associated with dry snow dominated the outskirts of the adjacent forward anvil, right anvil and rear anvil. The flash initiations associated with small hail were concentrated around the main updraft, particularly toward its front side. Highly dense flash initiations were located in the regions overlying the differential reflectivity (ZDR) arc and right anvil. The average initial height of the flashes decreased gradually from the rear to the front and from the right to the left flanks, while the height range over which initiations occurred reached a maximum at the front of the updraft. The flashes that were initiated in the adjacent forward anvils were largest on average, followed by those in the regions ahead of the updraft and near the ZDR arc. This study supports the concept of charge pockets and further deduces that the pockets in the right anvil are the most abundant and compact due to the frequent flash initiations, small-sized flashes and thin layers including flash initiations.